Durban — The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) provides five things to expect on the N3 toll route this festive season.

From planning for busy traffic routes to initiatives to help guard your safety, the N3TC chief operating officer Thania Dhoogra has it covered.

1. Plan for busy traffic conditions

Dhoogra said a gradual increase in southbound traffic on the N3 Toll Route (towards KwaZulu-Natal) has been recorded since last week, with traffic volumes expected to continue to increase from around midday on Thursday. These increased traffic conditions are expected to prevail in a southbound direction between Friday, December 13 and Sunday, December 15. Typical holiday traffic patterns with higher than usual volumes are also expected from Friday, December 20, until Monday, December 23.

High volumes in both south- and northbound directions may also be expected on Friday, December 27.

When holidaymakers begin their return journeys northbound traffic volumes (towards Gauteng) are expected to increase from Wednesday, January 1, 2025, and continue over the weekend (January 3-5, 2025).

If possible, N3TC recommends travel outside peak periods as high traffic volumes typically cause slow-moving traffic and congestion and may contribute to difficult driving conditions, putting additional strain on drivers and emergency resources.

2. Toll plazas will operate at full capacity

All toll plaza lanes will be open during peak traffic periods, Dhoogra said but warned road users that congestion and delays may be experienced when traffic volumes are high.

NB! Tap and go replaces magstripe (swipe cards) at toll plazas.

She reminded road users that magstripe (swipe) credit cards no longer work as a payment option at any of the toll plazas on the N3 Toll Route. As part of technology developments to enhance safety and security, and to streamline payment processes, South African businesses (including N3TC) have been migrating to contactless payments for several years already.

As a direct result thereof, magstripe (swipe) credit cards have been replaced by the tap and go payment method.

“This means toll fees can now be paid with tap-enabled credit and debit cards or smart devices,” Dhoogra explained.

“Should you experience any issues paying with your tap-enabled credit and debit cards or smart devices, please remember that tags, cash and/or fleet cards continue to be accepted as alternate payment methods at all toll plazas on the N3 Toll Route. Please contact your bank to ensure your credit or debit card is tap-enabled to avoid unnecessary delays at the toll plaza.”

3. Initiatives to help guard your safety

Dhoogra said multi-disciplinary teams from the road incident management system (RIMS), including N3TC’s route services, will be on high alert to support road users this festive season.

She said road users should expect highly visible law enforcement, including various roadblocks and traffic checkpoints at strategic locations along the route, and satellite traffic and emergency service stations also along the route.

Law enforcement services will have zero tolerance for traffic offenders and will be closely monitoring the roadworthiness of vehicles, public transport vehicle compliance, speed adherence, and driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

Additionally, emergency medical and advanced life support services have been placed on readiness to respond to emergency events. Towing services, and mechanical and technical support services, will be on hand to assist N3TC’s route services to swiftly respond to breakdowns or blockages and to help keep traffic flowing, particularly along the more challenging sections of the N3 Toll Route, such as Van Reenen’s Pass.

4. All lanes open to traffic

Dhoogra explained that the N3 Toll Route maintains a reputation as having one of the highest standards of road network condition in the country, which is achieved through an innovative engineering strategy involving routine road maintenance, rehabilitation and construction upgrades carefully planned throughout the year.

However, to accommodate road users during the upcoming peak traffic periods, all construction work will cease and all lanes will be open to traffic. The only road works that may be performed will be emergency repairs or essential maintenance work.

5. Stay in touch

Dhoogra said that on the N3 Toll Route, help is always accessible through the N3TC Route Control Centre. Report problems or emergencies, and get swift roadside assistance by contacting the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57. Stay informed and be prepared for changing travel conditions by obtaining real-time, verified traffic information from @N3Route on X.

“Let’s work together to prevent road trauma this festive season. By sharing the road responsibly and remaining patient and courteous with one another, our journeys will be pleasant and our roads safer,” Dhoogra added.

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