Coastal freeway link in great shape for holiday traffic

Travelling on the N2 freeway that runs from Cape Town along the eastern seaboard to Durban should be trouble-free during the festive season and road users will not experience any delays caused by roadworks.

Vusi Mona, the Head of Communications of the South African National Roads Agency says there are no major construction activities under way on the artery that links the major coastal resorts of the Western and Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

"As a result, our engineers have rated the 550km stretch between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth expected condition as fair to good barring any unforeseen major traffic incidents or weather conditions," says Mona.

The road consists of a single carriageway with climbing lanes. Drivers are urged to look out for stray animals on the roadside and pedestrian activity especially near Grabouw, George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

Sanral also calls on road users to follow important safety tips when they take to the country's main roads during the festive season. "The main message is to remember that a road is a shared space and that you should be respectful towards tour fellow road users."

Speed limits are clearly indicated on the 21 450 km of roads managed by Sanral in all nine provinces. "These are maximum limits and drivers should adjust their speed according to conditions such as rain or visibility," says Mona.

Road users are encouraged to take a break during long distance journeys to prevent fatigue and lack of concentration.

The automated pay system on Sanral's toll roads will become operational on 4 December. Road users with electronic tags will no longer have to stop at participating toll plazas on the N2 South Coast road at the Oribi, Umtentweni and Izotsha plazas.

"Automated payment makes it much easier for motorists who undertake long distance journeys," says Mona. "They will not have to wait in queues at toll plazas or pay cash at the booms. It will reduce travel time and result in safer and more enjoyable road journeys."

Report incidents to either the South African Police Services (10111) or the National Traffic Call Centre (NTCC) on 012 665 6075.