CAPE TOWN - Parliament has called for increased deployment of traffic officers at night, citing that most road deaths occur after dark.
The Transport Committee said that if officers can be deployed around the clock over the festive season, there is no reason this cannot continue year-round.
The Committee also backs calls for a zero-alcohol limit for drivers.
READ | Parly’s Transport Committee supports zero-alcohol law for drivers
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced that the department would amend the National Road Traffic Act to prohibit any alcohol consumption for drivers.
Transport Committee Chairperson Donald Selamolela said that a reported 5 percent decrease in fatalities over the 2025/26 festive period is not enough.
"A total of 1,427 lives lost is way too many. We strongly believe the Road Traffic Management Corporation must make a dent in these statistics," Selamolela said.
"We call on them to strengthen 24/7 visibility. Most accidents happen at night when there is little to no visibility. When traffic officers are off the road, more accidents happen."