The City’s highway patrol unit reported 1 300 incidents in the first three months of the year. In 81% of those cases, motorists were left stranded due to mechanical issues, flat tyres, or empty tanks.
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The City has a small team of dedicated metro police officers who have been patrolling the N2 and R300 for nearly a decade, in response to an increase in motorist attacks.
Their efforts were bolstered in November 2022 by the launch of the Traffic Service’s Highway Patrol Unit (HPU), which expanded patrols to include the N7 and N1, as well as other major routes in the metropole.
In total, the two teams responded to 1 300 incidents in the first three months of 2024, including 1 059 breakdowns and 217 accidents.
Metro police officers reported 477 incidents, with 205 motorists experiencing mechanical problems, 131 having tyre problems, and 81 running out of fuel.
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They also responded to 31 accident scenes, removed nearly 100 cows and goats from the road with the help of their law enforcement colleagues, arrested 16 motorists, 11 of whom were driving under the influence of alcohol, and issued 1 053 fines for various violations.
Among the fines were 197 for pedestrian offences and 247 for vehicles with worn tyres.
‘We have ongoing challenges with pedestrians on our major routes, and far too often, with fatal consequences,’ said the City’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith.
‘Between January and March, there were at least ten fatal pedestrian accidents on these routes. With winter setting in, the risk of these incidents will likely increase due to poor visibility on the roads. The weather conditions can also affect or aggravate mechanical issues. Already the statistics for the last three months prove once again just how crucial it is to take care of your vehicle. Maintenance shortcuts might save you a few rand in the short term, but they can result in a potentially long, and dangerous wait for help along the side of the road. It’s really not worth the risk.’
The HPU attended to 637 breakdowns and 186 accident scenes.
They made 163 arrests, with 95% for drunk driving, and impounded 160 vehicles.
Officers also reported 165 jaywalking incidents.
‘This is quite the workload, and our officers try to be as proactive and visible as they can, but we ask the public to please do their bit too. Keep an eye on your oil and water, tyre pressure and make sure that your vehicle is serviced regularly, to reduce the risk of a breakdown,’ added Smith.
Residents are reminded to report any criminal activity or emergency to the PECC at 021 480 7700 from a mobile or 107 from a landline.
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Look! JP Smith and the boys in blue cleaning the streets of Wynberg
Picture: City of Cape Town
