Mbalula hopes to reduce road carnage by 25% during Easter weekend

Mbalula made the remarks during an 'Arrive Alive' Easter campaign on Thursday.

Mbalula flew over the N3 and N1 to monitor traffic on some of the notorious spots as traffic picks up ahead of the long weekend.

While the numbers aren't as high as expected yet, traffic volumes are still expected to increase later in the day.

This despite inclement weather in parts of the country, including KZN where floods have left a trail of destruction.

"As much as the will increases but it's probably holidaymakers here and there but it's mostly people going home for easter holidays.

"The numbers are quite controllable."

Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng account for the highest number of fatalities in the country during peak seasons.

Mbalula believes the limit on gatherings has helped reduce congestion on the national routes.

The annual Moria City Pilgrimage of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) draws the largest numbers of congregants during easter holidays.

But the church hasn't fully opened its doors following the Covid-19 pandemic.

"There's a huge difference especially after disaster management and also because the big churches like ZCC have not opened otherwise we would be seeing busses and all of that.

"This year the numbers in terms of traffic are very low," Mbalula adds.

The N3 Toll Route's Thania Dhoogra says there are more than 800 vehicles passing through the De Hoek toll plaza per hour, southbound, and more than 1000 vehicles passing through Mooi Plaza headed in the same direction.

No incidents have been reported.

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