Motorists are urged to monitor weather conditions and avoid peak travel times as festive-season traffic builds up. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has appealed to motorists to plan their festive-season travel with weather conditions in mind, warning that thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast for large parts of the country, which could make driving hazardous. Traffic volumes are expected to surge from today as schools close for the year, with many people travelling between provinces and neighbouring SADC countries for holidays, weddings, traditional ceremonies, and year-end functions.
The RTMC expects a steady increase in vehicle movement this weekend, with peak volumes anticipated between 19 and 21 December, and again on 23 and 24 December. Higher traffic volumes are also expected from 26 December leading up to New Year’s Eve, while most holidaymakers are likely to begin their return journeys between 2 and 4 January 2026. RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane urged motorists to keep a close eye on weather forecasts before taking to the road.
“The South African Weather Service has predicted thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across many parts of the country,” said Zwane. “Motorists should avoid driving when the rain affects visibility and must reduce speed to match the conditions.” Zwane also encouraged travellers to avoid peak periods where possible to reduce congestion, which often leads to frustration and risky driving behaviour. Traffic law enforcement will be intensified throughout all peak travel periods, with officers targeting drunken driving, overloading, unroadworthy vehicles, and motorists driving without number plates.
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Heavy fines will be issued, and vehicles without properly affixed registration plates will not be allowed to continue their journey. The RTMC will also ramp up road-safety awareness campaigns in high-risk communities, at rest stops and at filling stations in an effort to reduce pedestrian fatalities.
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