Summer Holiday Road Safety Initiative 2007/2008

The Summer Holiday period is synonymous with increased activity and festivities as locals, visitors and tourists traverse the length and breadth of the province. It is also a period with unacceptably high levels of deviant driver behaviour which contributes to the high levels of road carnage. During this period, large crowds are expected to support the various beach festivals, church gatherings and other planned activities throughout the province.

These events provide opportunities for antisocial behaviour and a potential for creating disaster, such as: Public transport violence; Long distance taxis/ buses on rural roads transporting migrant workers, church goers etc.; Onset of fatigue whilst driving; Abuse and misuse of alcohol and drugs; Un-roadworthy vehicles used to fill increased demand for transport; Pedestrian and animals on roadway; Adverse weather conditions; Greater potential for fraudulent driving and learners licence activities; Escalation of cash in transit heist; and Hijacking of goods and vehicles.

It is against this background that we will continue to reinforce our “100 % compliance” policy which includes programmes that inform and educate the community at large about correct road safety behaviour. We will continue to improve the road environment through appropriate and innovative engineering measures. WE WILL CONTINUE TO ENFORCE THE LAW.

There is co-ordination with key role players for the provision of support and including multi-disciplinary road blocks. Over this period the Public Transport Enforcement Unit will be conducting public transport operations as well as depot visits throughout the province. From the 1st December 2007 up until the 31st January 2008, a special team of officers will be engaged in compulsory stop and check of all public transport vehicles and trucks at various points. In order to achieve this, our departmental Holiday Planning Committee consulted broadly with all relevant stakeholders such as the SAPS, SANDF, Durban Metro Police, Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), the National Department of Transport (NDOT), local and district municipalities, RTMC, Department of Health, taxi associations, TOLCON, SANRAL, SARS, Home Affairs and other interest groups.

We have also embarked on the inter-provincial campaigns where we will have cross border multi-disciplinary roadblocks. We will have Eastern Cape / KZN cross border roadblock on the N2 at Kokstad and Free State / KZN cross border roadblock on the N3 at Van Reenens Pass. We will also target Majuba Pass on the N11 which is used by illegal immigrants.

As part of our operations we 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 and drugs.

Unlicensed vehicles will be impounded until a valid licence is produced. In the case of unlicensed drivers, the vehicle will also be impounded and only handed over to a licensed driver. We will also impound vehicles driven without number plate.

Indeed, the KZN Department of Transport continues to be innovative in its efforts to reduce road accidents and the number of habitual speedsters. Today we are launching our new project which is related to AVERAGE SPEED ENFORCEMENT. We will now have cameras that will monitor the average speeds of all vehicles through an 8,5 kilometer before and after driving pass the device. The number plates and vehicle images of will be recorded and transferred electronically through advanced computerized technology to the relevant camera office. The number plates will also be stored in a comprehensive database and used extensively for comparisons against stolen vehicle records and outstanding fine records.

Random pedestrian blitzes will also be carried out at various locations on the N2 and N3. A special bus will be used to pick up pedestrians on these routes.

The 2006/07 Summer Holiday Period sent strong signals to us as a Department to intensify our Road Safety education and awareness programmes, as we continue to enforce traffic laws. Crashes on our roads and especially increasing fatalities involving pedestrians, were a cause of concern. To this end, we have embarked on a bold, educational and awareness campaign to break through the communication clutter and to change pedestrian mindset. We are working with celebrities such as radio DJs and soccer teams to convey our road safety messages.

The KZN Department of Transport and key players of the participating soccer teams - Amazulu, Golden Arrows, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates – will be distributing road safety messages at selected PSL games in KZN, at community soccer matches in key high-risk areas and in shopping malls, taverns and schools.

Finally, as we begin our festive season, let us always remember this:

- Look right, look left, look right again before you cross the road.
- It is dangerous and illegal to walk on the freeway.
- Avoid using roads at all times when intoxicated or drunk.
- Be seen, be safe. Wear bright coloured clothing, especially at night.
- Walk facing oncoming traffic.
- Live and let live

You are urged to report any traffic offence or emergency to our MPIMPA Hotline 086 221 10 10, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may also report these offences via our Mpimpa online right here on our website.

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