Gauteng MEC urges road users to prioritise safety as province ramps up road interventions

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has outlined a series of measures to curb road fatalities across the province, urging motorists, public transport operators and pedestrians to prioritise safety as infrastructure upgrades and enforcement efforts intensify.

Where the numbers stand

The department said that between 1 January and 26 July 2026, South Africa recorded a total of 5 620 road fatalities, compared with 6 130 in the same period in 2025.

Infrastructure work under way

Officials said the province is addressing structural and safety concerns through targeted infrastructure projects. The department is upgrading ageing bridges in Tshwane, Mogale City and Sedibeng to improve safety, structural integrity and traffic flow. Construction has also begun on the R59 pedestrian bridge in Meyerton, intended to provide a safer crossing for pedestrians along a busy transport corridor.

Repairs, road-defect fixes and improvements to surfaced and gravel roads are taking place along the province’s approximately 5 592-kilometre provincial road network.

Enforcement, technology and collaboration

Gauteng’s road-safety push combines law enforcement, public awareness campaigns and new technology. The department said interventions include targeted enforcement and the deployment of smart transport technologies to strengthen traffic monitoring, incident management and traffic regulation.

These measures are supported by collaboration with municipalities, law enforcement agencies, traffic authorities and communities, particularly in high-crash areas. The MEC said law enforcement officers will be deployed across major routes to monitor traffic flow and ensure compliance.

Warnings and guidance for road users

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela urged caution from all road users. Motorists were asked to exercise patience as traffic volumes increase, to always obey the rules of the road, to maintain safe following distances and to avoid reckless or negligent driving.

Public transport operators, including taxi and bus drivers, were strongly encouraged not to pick up or drop off passengers on freeways. In the MEC’s words:

“Passengers must only be picked up and dropped off at designated areas, such as taxi ranks, bus stops and other approved safe zones.”

Pedestrians were similarly urged to prioritise safety by crossing roads only when it is safe to do so, and preferably at designated crossing zones or controlled intersections such as traffic lights and stoplights.

Road safety a shared responsibility

Diale-Tlabela reiterated that the Road Safety Strategy is being expanded to address infrastructure risks across the province and stressed the collective nature of the effort. She said:

“Road safety is a shared responsibility that directly affects our communities. Every life lost on our roads is one too many.”

She added:

“We remain committed to practical interventions that reduce crashes, protect vulnerable road users and ensure safer travel across Gauteng.”

In closing, the MEC urged cooperation from all road users:

“Let us work together to prevent crashes and ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely.”