By Mapaballo Borotho

- Motorists travelling between Gauteng and Limpopo have been warned to expect heavy traffic this weekend as schools close for the mid-year holidays.
- Traffic officials and emergency response teams will be deployed along major routes to manage congestion and respond to incidents.
- Authorities have urged drivers to be patient, obey the rules of the road, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before travelling.
Traffic volumes are expected to increase significantly on the N1 northbound from Gauteng into Limpopo this weekend as thousands of holidaymakers travel for the mid-year school holidays.
Motorists have been urged to prepare for heavy congestion, remain patient, and exercise caution while travelling.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety says all traffic law enforcement officers and emergency response teams have been placed on high alert across key routes, weighbridges, and toll plazas to ensure visibility, respond swiftly to incidents, and keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible.
“The Department calls on all road users to exercise tolerance and cooperation, especially at tollgates where queues are likely to form. Please take note that road rage, cutting in lines, and impatience put lives at risk,” the department said in a statement.
Authorities have also warned that traffic volumes are expected to remain high on Sunday, with heavy southbound traffic anticipated as travellers make their way back to Gauteng.
Road safety tips for travellers
The department has urged motorists to:
- Ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before travelling by checking tyres, brakes, lights, and licence disc validity.
- Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits, and avoid drinking and driving, overloading vehicles, and using a cellphone while driving.
- Get enough rest before setting off and take regular breaks to avoid driver fatigue.
- Plan their journeys in advance and allow extra travelling time due to the expected congestion.
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