Dubbed one of the Eastern Cape’s most dangerous roads for pedestrians, the R75 road between Gqeberha and Kariega will be put in the spotlight as the provincial Department of Transport intensifies its road safety operations, in a renewed effort to protect pedestrians and save lives.
According to a statement issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, the renewed effort to protect pedestrians will be done through a combination of education, enforcement, and engineering interventions. It is for that reason that all role players, from the community, law enforcement agencies and even SANRAL will be brought together in one room to work out plans for a lasting solution to this problem.
The R75 has in recent years recorded a disturbingly high number of pedestrian fatalities, with dozens of people losing their lives while crossing or walking along this busy stretch of road.
The statement added that among the most heart-wrenching tragedies was the death of twin siblings who were run over by a speeding vehicle earlier this year; a painful reminder of the urgent need for collective action to end road carnage.
MEC for Transport, Xolile Nqatha, has expressed deep concern over the loss of life on the R75, calling it a crisis that demands both enforcement and education.
“The number of pedestrians being killed or injured on the R75 is simply unacceptable. We are witnessing families being shattered and communities living in fear each time they have to cross the road. As the Department, we are stepping up our presence and working closely with law enforcement and communities to change this situation,” Nqatha said.
The ongoing road safety operation involves:
- High-visibility law enforcement to clamp down on speeding and reckless driving;
- Pedestrian education campaigns in schools, townships, and informal settlements along the R75.
MEC Nqatha said the Department remains committed to reducing, if not eliminating, fatalities on the roads through a combination of education, enforcement, and engineering interventions, including improved pedestrian crossings and signage.
The Department urges all road users to act responsibly and to remember that speed and negligence kill.
