ANC calls for action after N1 crash

2011-11-16 15:15

Cape Town - The ANC in the Western Cape wants stricter traffic controls after the deaths of 20 people in an accident on the N1.

"The disastrous accident near Prince Albert Way where two minibus taxis crashed into a stationary truck and trailer is the umpteenth serious smash with multiple fatalities on the so-called road of death stretch," the ANC said on Wednesday.

"More should be done to improve visibility, law enforcement, raising awareness and alertness of drivers on this road with a very bad history of crashes involving trucks and taxis."

The accident happened on the N1 between Leeu-Gamka and the turn-off to Prince Albert at around 02:00 on Tuesday. Two taxis heading in the direction of Cape Town crashed into the side of a truck.

Police said the minibus overturned when it was rammed from behind by another minibus.

Twelve women, six men, a boy and a girl were declared dead on the scene. Post mortems were to be carried out in Oudtshoorn from Wednesday.

The driver of the truck and the driver of the second taxi survived the crash.

Serious charges

Transport MEC Robin Carlisle said serious charges were expected to be brought against two of the drivers involved in the accident.

Carlisle said he planned to introduce average speed over distance cameras on the Laingsburg to Prince Albert section of the N1 "as quickly as we can".

The ANC said lights should be put up at major intersections and that solar charging cat eyes and other technologies should be made available.

"Otherwise, slip lanes should be clearly marked with enough escape room to prevent such terrible accidents claiming too many lives in numerous road tragedies.

"Western Cape transport MEC Robin Carlisle must ensure that such a project receives the priority it deserves," the ANC said.

- SAPA