High traffic volumes of up to 2,600 vehicles per hour passing through the Tugela and Mooi Plaza resulted in lane closures yesterday.

Road Traffic Inspectorate spokesperson Zinhle Mngomezulu said they had to reduce the number of open lanes at the Tugela Plaza about 1 pm to ease congestion at Van Reenen’s Pass.

“It has been busy throughout the day, but these are the most cars we’ve in an hour.”

Earlier in the morning N3 tolls concessions spokesperson, Andy Visser, had urged commuters to exercise caution and patience whilst travelling.

Mngomezulu said holidaymakers returning home appeared to have heeded the call.

“All we can ask is for people to remain patient especially in situations like this. Everyone wants to get home following a long, relaxing holiday.”

Between 1 pm – 2 pm, 2,606 vehicles passed through the Mooi Plaza southbound, without incident.

However, Neatcare911 spokesperson, Chris Botha, said there was a crash on the N2 North at the Tongaat Toll Plaza. Two people, believed to be husband and wife, were injured when a vehicle slammed into them with such force that it pushed them through the boom at the toll gate while they were paying.

“The female sustained serious injuries while the man escaped with minor injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was uninjured and was taken to the police station for investigation.”

Adapted from http://www.ornico.co.za/