Mary Papayya

Far fewer people died on the roads of KwaZulu-Natal this Easter holiday than last year.

The provincial transport department had recorded 13 deaths by yesterday afternoon, compared with 38 by the same time last year.

Only two drivers were killed this year compared with six last year, four passengers died compared with 22 last year, and seven pedestrians compared with last year's 10.

"We had huge visibility and we had road blocks to arrest those drivers who were breaking the law," said spokesperson Nonkululeko Mbatha.

Mbatha said more drivers were complying with the law this year, although 310 had been arrested for drinking and driving since April 1.

"The highest recorded speed was 211km. The driver, 19, was fined R20000. On Friday three unroadworthy SA Roadlink buses were impounded," she said.

By noon yesterday holidaymakers were streaming home from the province. Traffic volumes peaked at more than 2000 vehicles an hour on the N3 and N2.