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"From Zero Tolerance 2 100% Compliance in KZN" says MEC, Bheki Cele
Historically the Christmas / New Year period in KwaZulu-Natal results in an influx of people from all over South Africa, as well as international tourists. Also, during this period migrant workers travel home, especially to KZN and the Eastern Cape to spend time with their families. This influx of people results in increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Annually during this period, South Africa is faced with a number of road deaths, as a result of road crashes, many of which could have easily been avoided. This state of affairs is totally unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue. Therefore, I am proud to announce today that we are moving from "ZERO TOLERANCE 2 100% COMPLIANCE", for all road traffic laws. Should there be anything less than 100% compliance, you can be rest assured that you will be caught and punished. In the case of offences such as drunk driving, there is also the possibility that your motor vehicle will be forfeited. We are also working closely with the Department of Justice and looking into imposing sentences of community service instead of allowing offenders to be let off the hook by merely paying fines. So make no mistake – just comply 100%. If you commit any traffic offence, you can be rest assured that you will be caught and punished. I also wish to announce a change in the name of our "Omela Ngasekhaya" programme, to "Omela eKhaya". The reason for this is simply that people who are under the influence of alcohol are much safer right at their homes than anywhere else. This programme will target both pedestrians and drivers by encouraging them to drink at home. Tavern owners will take responsibility for their patrons by ensuring that they do not walk or drive home drunk. The owner will provide a sleep-over place or a safe sober driver to drive drunk patrons home. During the festive season last year, 229 people died on KZN’s roads, as compared to 254 in 2002. Over the years, an analysis of the causes of these crashes indicates that speed, alcohol, driver fatigue, reckless and negligent driving, un-roadworthy vehicles and pedestrian deaths require specific attention. The primary objective of our Summer Holiday Road Safety Programme is to create a safe road environment and to curb the number of road crashes during the festive season, primarily through education and enforcement. There will be visible stringent and regular enforcement operations conducted by all our law enforcement officers all over the province. We have also just received 189 card verification devices, which will enable our enforcement officers to scan your driving licence at the side of the road, and verify all your particulars. Our goal is to intensify high visibility patrols, increase law enforcement on critical offences, as well as ensure the integrated and coordinated efforts of all role-players. In order to achieve this, our departmental Holiday Planning Committee consulted broadly with all relevant stakeholders such as the KZN Coordinating Traffic Committee, SAPS, SANDF, Durban Metro Police, Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), the national department of transport (NDOT), local and district municipalities, department of health, taxi associations, TOLCON, and other interest groups. Operation Juggernaut commenced on 1 November and will end on 31 January 2005. This operation will target all unlicensed and un-roadworthy heavy motor vehicles, drivers without valid driving licences or PRDP’s, as well as those driving under the influence of alcohol. Our highly specialized Public Transport Enforcement Unit (PTEU – Operation Shanela) will be deployed on high accident frequency areas and will specifically deal with all public transport vehicles. I want to warn both drivers and owners of public transport vehicles, especially the bus and taxi industry to take responsibility for the safety of their passengers. Just one bus or taxi crash can result in many deaths and several injuries. You have been warned – we will show no mercy to any driver or owner who breaks the law. Road side courts will be operational at Cato Ridge, Umdhloti, Park Rynie and Ladysmith in order to ensure that instant justice/punishment is meted out to offending road users. For the first time this year, Road Safety Councils have been included in our planning sessions and have made a valuable contribution towards addressing certain road safety problems. Motorists are encouraged to drive with their headlamps on dip during the entire period. All law enforcement officers must lead by example. Last year's campaign encouraging motorists to drive with their lights on successfully cut road deaths. If you are seen, you are more likely to be safe and being visible is entirely your own responsibility. Finally, I am sure that you will agree that we have gone all out to ensure your safety on our roads this festive season. I want to reiterate that we will show no mercy to any person who blatantly disregards the law and we will ensure that they receive the punishment they deserve. However, "Road Safety is Everybody’s Responsibility" and I want to encourage each and every one of you to do your part and save a life this festive season.
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