The DA in Limpopo has submitted a petition to the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and infrastructure (LDPWRI), Limpopo Legislature’s Petition and Public Participation Committee and to the Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) from various stakeholders in and around Hoedspruit due to reckless driving and poor road conditions on the R40 and other roads in the area.
The petition was signed by over 2800 people and cites the need for visible traffic policing and alcohol testing, enforcement of the traffic laws, expediting road works as the poor state of roads leads to accidents, and maintaining proper signage and road markings along the roads.
The reckless driving on the R40 road has contributed to the loss of 16 lives over the past couple of weeks. The most common issues highlighted in the Hoedspruit area are:
- Vehicles, Taxis and Mining Trucks overtaking on blind rises,
- Overtaking on solid lines or large mining trucks driving in convoys that leave no space for safe overtaking from smaller vehicles.
- Unroadworthy vehicles, speeding and driving under the influence
- Total disregard for any signs relating to speed limits and parking illegally in the road
The importance of the R40 requires that LDPWRI plays an important role in addressing these challenges along with the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety. With the Easter weekend approaching it is also important SANRAL and RAL expedite road works on these roads to avoid accidents.
The DA cares about the safety of road users and is committed to ensure that residents have access to provincial road infrastructure that is safe and supports economic development.