Hidcote horror crash highlights urgent need for intervention on KZN roads

11 May 2021

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is deeply saddened by yesterday’s N3 multi-vehicle crash in the Hidcote area, which has claimed the lives of seven people and left as many as 30 injured.

According to reports, the collision involved a bus, four cars, a truck and a tanker carrying a hazardous substance, which also led to some of the vehicles catching alight.

The DA extends its sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones in such a tragic manner. It is clear that urgent interventions need to be implemented to make our province’s roads safer for all who use them.

While the cause of the crash is still to be determined, the reality is that driver negligence is often at the root of such horror crashes. This while there is also ample evidence that visible policing is the best way to prevent this scourge on our roads.

The DA has consistently raised this issue with KZN’s Department of Transport, calling for 24-hour visible policing and patrols on our province’s roads on numerous occasions.

The reality though is that KZN’s Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) is hopelessly under-staffed, with 232 vacancies. This is a serious concern, while the DoT’s lack of enthusiasm and commitment to fixing the problem has resulted in a poorly performing, low morale law enforcement agency.

The DoT must address the failures within its ranks and act promptly to ensure proper management of this Department.

The DA sincerely hopes that with the appointment of KZN Transport MEC, Peggy Nkonyeni, more focus will be placed on resolving RTI issues. This is the only way to bring back a strong, motivated law enforcement agency and reduce the carnage on our roads.

Issued by Sharon Hoosen, DA KZN Spokesperson on Transport, 11 May 2021