Johannesburg – Traffic safety concerns are rising in Gauteng as 137 people have died in 124 crashes across the province since the start of December, with authorities warning that the festive period could see higher numbers.
Pedestrians have borne the heaviest toll, accounting for 68 deaths, while 26 drivers and 28 passengers also perished. Johannesburg recorded the highest fatalities at 38, followed by Tshwane with 33 and Ekurhuleni with 26.
The Gauteng Department of Community Safety said traffic volumes are expected to increase from Christmas Eve as people travel to various destinations for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Authorities are stepping up enforcement, particularly targeting public transport operators, including taxis and buses, which are frequently overloaded. Overloading is a major contributor to road accidents and is considered a criminal offence under provincial regulations. 
Joint operations along major routes include roadworthy inspections, driver compliance checks, alcohol and drug testing, and monitoring for reckless and negligent driving. Since early December, law enforcement has inspected over 27 000 vehicles, issued more than 44 000 fines, weighed 3 400 vehicles, and arrested 1 200 motorists and 28 pedestrians for traffic violations.
The department warned that public transport operators and motorists who compromise road safety will face decisive action. Enforcement operations are set to continue throughout the festive season.
High traffic congestion is expected on key routes, including:
N1: Pretoria to Polokwane
N4: Pretoria to Mpumalanga
N4: Pretoria to Rustenburg
R573: Pretoria to Mpumalanga
N12: Johannesburg to Mpumalanga
N3: Johannesburg to Durban
N1: Johannesburg to Bloemfontein
N12: Johannesburg to Potchefstroom
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is working with law enforcement agencies to implement the province’s road safety strategy ahead of the busy holiday period.
