Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has urged all road users to take responsibility on the roads this Easter, calling for greater caution, respect for traffic rules, and collective action to ensure everyone arrives safely at their destination.
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Residents and holidaymakers travelling along the R27 corridor on the West Coast are being urged to exercise heightened caution this Easter, as authorities intensify efforts to reduce crashes and save lives on Western Cape roads.
The Western Cape Government officially launched its 2026 Easter road safety plan on Friday, March 27, placing strong emphasis on increased law enforcement visibility, advanced traffic-monitoring technology, and strict enforcement of high-risk behaviour, such as drinking and driving.
The plan carries importance for the R27 along Otto du Plessis Drive and Marine Drive. This key coastal arterial route stretches from the Paarden Eiland and Milnerton area near Milnerton lagoon and Woodbridge Island, through Table View and Bloubergstrand, and further north towards Melkbosstrand and Langebaan, used by motorists to get to holiday destinations.
Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, said the goal is to ensure that every road user reaches their destination safely over the busy holiday period.
“Easter is a time for joy and making memories, and that starts with getting there safely. Our mission is simple: every resident and visitor must reach their destination safely,” he said.
Premier Alan Winde urged all road users to behave responsibly, noting that respect for the rules of the road should extend beyond the long weekend and continue throughout the year.
DA Western Cape spokesperson on mobility, Nomafrench Mbombo, said that while enforcement has been strengthened, personal responsibility remains essential.
“Every road death is one too many. Our traffic officers cannot be everywhere at once, and we need all road users to play their part,” she said.
Although there has been a slight improvement in road safety statistics, the situation remains concerning.
According to statistics provided by Ms Mbombo, between January 1 and March 15 this year, 238 people lost their lives on Western Cape roads, representing a 1.25% decrease compared to the same period last year.
More than half of these fatalities were pedestrians, she said, highlighting the risks faced by those walking along or crossing busy routes such as the R27, particularly in areas with poor visibility.
Over the 2025 Easter weekend, 22 fatalities were recorded in the province, down from 33 in 2024. Despite this decline, authorities stress that any loss of life is unacceptable.
Provincial Traffic Services, working in partnership with police, Emergency Medical Services and municipal traffic authorities, have deployed hundreds of officers who will operate around the clock on major routes feeding into the R27 and beyond.
Enforcement measures include the use of Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Testing centres in Athlone, George, Vredenburg, Worcester and Caledon, along with mobile units to monitor alcohol-related offences.
Vehicle fitness checks will be conducted at key points, while drones will assist with real-time monitoring of traffic behaviour, said Ms Mbombo.
"Handheld and licence plate recognition camera systems linked to the national traffic database will allow officers to detect infringements instantly, and rapid response teams will be coordinated through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre."
Chief director for Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, said officers are fully prepared for the high-risk Easter period and will be maintaining a strong presence on the roads.
“Every traffic officer on the road is working hard to prevent crashes and save lives. While enforcement will be visible, we urge the public to drive and walk responsibly,” she said.
With pedestrians accounting for the majority of road deaths, authorities will also focus on awareness campaigns and targeted messaging in high-risk areas, including informal settlements and busy transport corridors along the West Coast. Road users are encouraged to plan their journeys, take regular breaks to avoid fatigue, and refrain from driving or walking under the influence of alcohol.
"As traffic volumes increase along the R27 and surrounding routes this Easter, officials are hopeful that a combination of visible policing and responsible behaviour will help prevent further tragedies. Let us ensure that the only stories we tell after this weekend are those of arriving safely,” said Ms Mbombo.
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