PARLIAMENT 26 February 2002 Sapa
The number of road accidents on the N1 "death stretch" between Laingsburg and Beaufort West increased from 368 in 1999 to 489 last year, but fatalities showed a slight drop, says Transport Minister Dullah Omar.
In written reply to a question in the National Assembly, he said the number of fatalities in these accidents had dropped from 57 to 48.
Most accidents occurred on Thursday nights and Sundays.
In an effort to lower the toll, the number of traffic officials and traffic patrols on the road had been increased, but this had not had much impact.
"There are now plans to increase the number of rest and service facilities on this specific road; as well as constructing overhead signs with flashing lights approximately every five kilometres to convey messages to drivers in an effort to address the (driver) fatigue problem.
"These measures are, however, still in the planning phase and not approved yet," Omar said.
"A need for more traffic officers as well as more visible vehicles on the stretch of road on a 24-hour basis during the peak times on a weekly basis has also been identified.
"Financial constraints will have to be overcome before this can be addressed," he said.