LOOK: Mariannhill Toll Plaza Easter roadblock

Earlier, in the scorching Durban morning heat, scores of officials pulled over and searched some of the cars from the mounting volume of vehicles entering or passing through Durban for the Easter break. 

The roadblock was a joint operation by the SAPS, eThekwini Metro Police, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and other officials.

They used a newly launched gadget to scan licences and check for possible outstanding traffic fines.

MEC Siboniso Duma unveiled the gadget at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza on Thursday morning. 

"It is one of those critical days in the province in all directions people are gazing towards us, as you know we attract a lot of numbers. The name of this gadget is Umumemezi WeZimoto." 

READ: N3TC: Heavy traffic volumes into KZN from midday

Duma says the device is an important step in using technology to curb fatalities.

"The next three days are very busy, we are going to church - let us enjoy and be cautious." 

Officers also inspected cars for roadworthiness, opened boots and bonnets, and sounded car hooters to check that they were working. 

Some commuters were also asked to step out of taxis or busses to be searched, along with their luggage. 

The operation winded down and the officer contingent had dwindled to around 20 metro police officers around noon. 

Traffic volumes are expected to pick up dramatically over the course of the afternoon.

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