Easter road safety: Western Cape's urgent crackdown on pedestrian deaths
Premier Winde and Minister Sileku engage with a motorist in Khayelitsha.
Image: Supplied
More than half of the 238 people killed on Western Cape roads so far this year were pedestrians, placing the province’s most vulnerable road users at the centre of a persistent road safety concern ahead of the busy Easter travel period.
Of the fatalities recorded between 1 January and 15 March, 134 were pedestrians, 40 passengers and 39 drivers. While this marks a 1.25% decrease compared to the same period last year, officials say the figures remain concerning.
The data highlights the disproportionate risk faced by pedestrians. Longer-term trends have consistently shown pedestrians accounting for the majority of road deaths in Cape Town, underscoring an ongoing safety concern.
The risk is typically higher during peak travel periods, with increased traffic volumes across the province. Similar patterns were observed during the festive season, when pedestrians again made up the largest share of road fatalities.
Against the backdrop, the Western Cape Government has launched its 2026 Easter road safety plan, aimed at reducing crashes and saving lives through intensified enforcement and targeted interventions.
Western Cape Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku said the focus was on ensuring that all road users reach their destinations safely.
“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.
“This Easter, let’s change the story on our roads and look out for one another. We are committed to halving road deaths and injuries, but we cannot do it alone. We need every road user to play their part. Save a life, maybe your own. Because the best stories are the ones you live to tell,” said Sileku.
Premier Alan Winde urged road users to act responsibly.
“Road users have an obligation to respect the rules of the road, not only over the long Easter weekend, but throughout the year. Let us all arrive safely at our destinations, let us all show respect for each other on our roads,” he said.
Provincial Traffic Services have deployed an intensive operational force in partnership with the South African Police Service, Emergency Medical Services and municipal traffic authorities.
Operations will run 24 hours a day, with officers and vehicles deployed along key routes to deter risky behaviour, respond to incidents and ensure the safety of commuters and pedestrians.
Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Testing centres in Athlone, George, Vredenburg, Worcester and Caledon, along with mobile units, will monitor alcohol-related offences.
Vehicle fitness checks will be conducted at key points, while drones will track vehicles in real time at checkpoints. Handheld and licence plate recognition camera systems linked to NATIS will provide instant alerts for traffic infringements.
Joint operations will focus on high-risk routes, including the N1 and N2, with efforts to encourage drivers to rest and avoid fatigue.
Public transport will also be targeted through compliance checks on minibus taxis and buses, focusing on overloading, driver permits and overall safety.
Chief Director for Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout said enforcement teams would be fully deployed.
“Our enforcement strategy is fully in place for the Easter period, with every traffic officer on the road working hard to prevent crashes and save lives. While officers will be on high alert, we urge the public to do their part by driving and walking responsibly, taking breaks when needed, and never drinking and driving or walking while intoxicated,” she said.
The City of Cape Town has also activated its holiday safety plan, with increased patrols expected at beaches, malls and other public spaces during the school holidays and Easter break.
Operation Exodus, focused on long-distance public transport safety, will run between 1 and 3 April, with integrated operations and vehicle checkpoints.
The City’s Traffic Service will offer free vehicle checks at its Durbanville Vehicle Testing Station from today to 2 April, between 8am and 3pm daily.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said authorities were preparing for increased movement across the metro.
“Our services will be on high alert and as proactive as possible, but public safety is a shared responsibility. So my appeal as we head into this holiday period is to keep your wits about you, be patient and kind and obey all of the rules at all times,” he said.
With enforcement at full capacity, authorities say reducing road deaths this Easter will depend on whether road users change their behaviour.