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| City Guide - Johannesburg - Road | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Road South Africa has by far the best-maintained and most extensive network of road transport infrastructure in Africa. National roads (designated by an 'N') link all of South Africa's major cities to Johannesburg, while major routes (designated by an 'R') connect Johannesburg to most other areas. The generally high standard of roads means that almost anywhere in South Africa is accessible, without the need for a four-wheel-drive. By law, both driver and passenger must wear their seatbelts (if fitted) or face an on-the-spot fine of R200. Random breath tests can be imposed and the penalties for drink driving are severe - the maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.08%. Speeding fines vary (camera traps are very common), but are generally around R10 per kilometre over the limit. Driving through a red light costs R500. The minimum age for driving is 18 years. All those without a South African licence must carry an International Driving Permit. Driving is on the left with the general speed limit being 60kph (37mph) in 'built-up' (suburban and city) areas and 100kph (62mph) on the 'open road' (rural areas). The speed limit on most national roads is 120kph (75mph) unless otherwise indicated and it is illegal to stop (other than for emergencies) on or adjacent to these roads. All national roads are tolled but most have a signposted 'Alternative Route', which is not tolled, usually slower, has less service, fuel and rescue facilities but is often far more scenic and interesting. There are 24-hour service stations (called garages in South Africa) with convenience stores at regular intervals along all main routes, but it should be noted that credit cards cannot be used for fuel purchases. Toll fees on the tolled routes between Johannesburg and Cape Town are R85, to Durban R76, to Messina (Zimbabwe border) R52 and to Komatipoort (Mozambique border) R68.50 The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA; tel: (011) 799 1000; fax: (011) 799 1010; web site: www.aasa.co.za) provides excellent maps, invaluable roadside medical rescue, technical assistance and advice (car hire, insurance, road conditions, recommended routes); they can also provide further information. Emergency breakdown service: AA (080) 001 0101, toll free Routes to the city: The north-south road artery of South Africa, the N1, links Johannesburg to Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Pietersburg, Louis Trichard, Messina and Zimbabwe, while the N3 provides access to Harrismith, Pietermaritzberg and Durban, and the N2 links coastal towns between Durban and Cape Town. The N4 Trans-Kalahari Highway runs west to Zeerust and on through Botswana and Namibia to the Atlantic Ocean, and the N4 Maputo Corridor runs east to Witbank, Middleberg and Nelspruit, and on to Maputo in Mozambique, on the Indian Ocean. Driving times to Johannesburg: from Sun City - 2 hours 45 minutes; Kruger Park (Skukuza) - 5 hours 30 minutes; Durban - 6 hours 15 minutes; Cape Town - 14 hours 30 minutes. Coach services: Coaches to South Africa's main towns and cities, as well as to neighbouring countries, depart from the coach terminus at Park City (see the Rail section above). Greyhound (tel: (011) 830 1301; web site: www.greyhound.co.za) and Translux (tel: (011) 774 3333; web site: www.translux.co.za) are the service providers and have ticket offices there. |
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