Some 147 people have died on South Africa's roads since the start of the Easter weekend, the department of transport revealed on Monday.

"Since 9 April, 136 crashes have resulted in the deaths of 147 road users," it said in a statement.

This figure is less than half of that reported during the same period in 2008.

Fatalities included 39 drivers, 60 passengers and 48 pedestrians.

The highest number of deaths recorded this year was in Limpopo with 26 fatalities.

Twenty-two people died in KwaZulu-Natal, 20 in Mpumalanga and the North West and 18 in the Free State.

Seventeen died in the Eastern Cape, 16 in Gauteng, six in the Western Cape, and two deaths were recorded in the Northern Cape.

The recorded number of deaths in 2008 over the same period was 297, with 231 crashes.

"Heavy traffic has already started building-up along the national road network. Long queues will form at toll plazas for most of the day especially this afternoon. Motorists are advised to exercise patience and drive with care."

Special operations were planned on national roads leading to Gauteng, namely the N1 from Polokwane, N1 from Bloemfontein, N4 from Nelspruit and N3 from Durban.

"Traffic authorities have intensified law enforcement actions on unroadworthy vehicles, overloaded public passenger transport. Speed timing operations are planned on all major routes.

"Taxi and bus drivers are reminded that their maximum and legal speed limit is 100km/h. Roadblocks will concentrate on overloading, vehicle roadworthiness, driving licences, vehicle registrations and licences," the department said.