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Peak festive season travel dates to Avoid

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The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL), which manages 21 451 km of national routes, would like to advise road users of the expected peak travel times over the December 2015 to January 2016 period. The information is based on historical data and traffic modelling.

N2 Cape Town to Port Elizabeth

  • The N2 through Sir Lowry’s Pass and Bot River will be free flowing with periods of increased travel volumes, but no extreme volumes are expected.
  • The N2 to Caledon will likely have high traffic volumes on 11 December, 31 December to 4 January. Traffic is expected to reduce into January, and then become increasingly busy over 7 to 13 January.
  • The N2 to Somerset West will likely experience high to very high traffic volumes on 6, 13, 20 and 23 December, as well as 26 December to 4 January and 7 to 10 January.
  • The N2 to Grabouw will likely have high traffic volumes on 2 and 3 January
  • It is expected that the N2 through Groot Brak and the Van Staden’s interchange will be free flowing for the whole of December and January.

N2 Port Elizabeth to Durban

  • The N2 at Grahamstown West , the N2 south of Kokstad, the N2 to Port Elizabeth, the N2 at Hibberdene and the N2 at Mthatha South to Umtata are expected to be free flowing for the duration of the festive season.
  • The N2 to East London will likely be free flowing with increased traffic volumes likely from today 24 December, 28 and 31 December, and also 4, 7 and 8 January and 11 to 13 January.
  • The N2 Marburg to Port Shepstone will likely experience high traffic volumes today, 7 to 11 December, on 14 and 15 December, 17 to 24 December, 27 December to 1 January, 7 and 8 January and 11 to 13 January.
  • The N2 Marburg to Harding will likely experience high traffic volumes today, 7 to 11 December, 17 to 19 December, and 21 to 24 December, as well as 1, 7 and 8 January, and 11 to 13 January.
  • The N2 to Durban will likely see increased traffic volumes on 26 and 27 December.
    As will the N2 to Port Shepstone on 24 and 26 December.

The N6 East London to Bloemfontein will likely be free flowing with increased traffic at Aliwal North to Bloemfontein on 3 January.

The N10 Port Elizabeth to Colesberg will likely be free flowing all the way through December and January.

“These are the expected peak travel times barring any unforeseen major traffic incidents or weather conditions,” says Vusi Mona, spokesperson for the roads agency.

The automated pay system on SANRAL’s toll roads became operational on 4 December. Road users with electronic tags will no longer have to stop to pay.

“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.”

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 21 451 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.

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

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.