-Staff Writer /Sat, 13 Dec 2025
Motorists travelling southbound through the Kroonvaal Plaza on the N1 in the Free State are said to have experienced heavy congestion early on Friday morning as holiday travel volumes surged, with rainy weather adding to hazardous driving conditions.
Chairperson of the Road Incident Management System (RIMS) in the Free State, Sipho Towa said by 06:00, more than 800 vehicles were recorded passing through the toll plaza within a single hour, resulting in significant traffic build-ups and slow-moving queues.
Towa warned that traffic volumes are expected to remain high throughout the day as holidaymakers continue their journeys.
He has since urged motorists to remain patient and vigilant.
“High traffic volumes combined with wet weather conditions increase the risk of crashes. We are calling on all road users to exercise extra caution, obey the rules of the road and remain patient,” said Towa.
Motorists were also encouraged to make use of the toll plaza’s tap-and-go payment option to help ease congestion and reduce waiting times. Road users are further advised to plan their trips in advance and to check traffic updates before setting off.
Towa reiterated their safety message, reminding drivers to stay alert, adjust their driving to the prevailing weather conditions and prioritise safety while travelling to their holiday destinations.
News Junction (Gold Standard)