Traffic officials, NSRI, gear up for Easter

 

• 28 Mar 2013
• Cape Argus
• Daneel Knoetze STAFF REPORTER daneel.knoetze@inl.co.za

TRAFFIC authorities and the NSRI are gearing up for one of their busiest weekends of the year.

PICTURE: PABALLO THEKISOROAD WATCH An officer checks the validity of a duplicated car licence taken from a taxi PICK OF WEEKEND EVENTS

Bathers have been warned to be especially careful on the beaches this Easter.

The effects of a spring tide, which peaked on Tuesday evening, have put the NSRI on high alert – with a “priority focus” on beachgoers and swimmers.

The NSRI’s Craig Lambinon said that extreme high and low tides would be accompanied by abnormally strong rip currents along the south coast.

“The spring tide presents a potential danger to swimmers who may not be aware of the current conditions.

“We urge bathers to be aware, and to take care of children close to water sources.”

Super Rugby: the Stormers will take on the Crusaders at DHL Newlands on Saturday evening. Kick-off is at 7.10pm.

Two Oceans: the Two Oceans Trail Run takes place on Friday, with the Ultra and Half Marathons taking place on Saturday morning.

V&A Waterfront concert: live music will be performed free of charge during the late afternoons and evenings at the V&A Waterfront between Friday and Monday.

Easter Vortex: one of the province’s most established outdoor trance parties takes place from Friday until Monday, near Riviersonderend.

Kenny Africa, the Western Cape’s traffic chief, committed his staff to trying to cut the number of road fatalities this weekend. Over the 2011 Easter weekend nine people died on the province’s roads, while 11 died last year – most between 6pm and 10pm.

This year, said Africa, there would be a special focus on fatigue and unbuckled back-seat passengers. A zero tolerance policy towards drunk driving and speeding would be be enforced.

There would be roadblocks every night between tonight and Sunday.

Clear, partly cloudy and moderate conditions have been forecast for the city on Friday and Saturday.

Temperatures will be in the low to mid 20s throughout the weekend. There will be showers in the interior on Saturday, and rain at the coast and in the interior on Sunday and Monday.