The ‘mother of all roadblocks’ launched

The KZN Department of Transport launched its ‘mother-of-all-roadblocks’ Christmas season safety campaign.

Durban - The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport launched its Christmas season safety campaign on Wednesday, with what it called the “mother-of-all-roadblocks”.

More than 500 vehicles were stopped at the roadblock at the Mooi River Toll Plaza.

Vehicles were checked for road worthiness, licences and outstanding fines.

It was manned by a team from the SAPS, Department of Transport’s RTI, Customs officials and other departments.

MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, who was at the roadblock, said “As government we believe that collective action is required to fight crime, social ills generally and the road carnage. We want to remind motorists to be ambassadors of road safety and to recommit themselves in ensuring that no loss of life occurs while they are behind the wheel.”

The department will also be running Operation Shanela which will enforce compliance with the rules of the road in the taxi industry.

The operation will work hand in hand with the SA National Taxi Council’s Operation Hlokomela.

To ensure effective enforcement, 26 723 personnel will be deployed in the province during the period.

Some of these personnel will include 20 121 SAPS members, 1 786 eThekwini Metro Police officers, 846 RTI officers, 118 Home Affairs officers, 1 337 Crime Prevention Volunteers and 897 SANDF staff.

The programme will also include partnerships with other provinces.

Daily News

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