Safety and Liaison, Mr BH Cele at the Summer Holiday Road Safety launch held at
Mooi River
4 December 2007
All protocol observed.
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.
Some of the potential threats that we usually face during this time include
the following:
* 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
* 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 roadblocks. 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 South African
Police Service (SAPS), SANDF, Durban Metro Police, road traffic inspectorate
(RTI), the national Department of Transport (DOT), local and district
municipalities, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Department of
Health, taxi associations, Tolcon, the SA National Roads Agency Limited
(SANRAL), South African Revenue Service (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 /
KwaZulu-Natal (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 Professional
Driving Permits (PRDPs), 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.
All personnel will be made available during this period to ensure support
for intensified law enforcement initiatives. The NO LEAVE policy will apply
from the 1st of December 2007 up until the 14th of January 2008.
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 â we will show no mercy to any driver or
owner who breaks the law.
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 kilometre before and after driving past 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 Pitrares â 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
I thank you
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
4 December 2007
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za/)
