The City’s Traffic Service has recorded at least five pedestrian fatalities in the last week, with several of them occurring on major arterial routes.
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During this time, the Traffic Service reported the deaths of two motorcyclists who were involved in collisions with motor vehicles, one near Camps Bay and the other in Ottery.
‘Road safety remains one of our biggest challenges, and the number of pedestrian fatalities is quite simply alarming,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith.
‘The City conducts enforcement operations along our highways as far as our resources allow. Fines are issued to pedestrians who enter roadways, and we act against speeding and motorists driving recklessly. I have also called for increased enforcement of intersections, to reduce the risks to pedestrians in communities. Far too many motorists treat traffic signs as suggestions, often with devastating consequences.’
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‘Equally devastating is the number of pedestrian fatalities on our highways. Not only is there a very low chance of survival for the pedestrian, but there is also secondary trauma and risk of injury to the other road users involved.’
‘I want to appeal to pedestrians to walk only where it is safe, and legal to do so. To motorists, please be incredibly alert to your surroundings at all times, and obey not only the speed limit, but all rules of the road.’
‘The City will also renew its engagements with the Western Cape Government and Sanral to install durable fencing or walls along the major highways.’
In general, over the last week, the City’s enforcement agencies made 285 arrests and issued 63 673 fines for various offences.
Cape Town Traffic Services arrested 54 motorists in the last week: 47 for drunk driving, two for reckless and negligent driving, and five others on a variety of charges, including a stolen vehicle, false documentation, and assault on an officer.
Officers also recorded 57 274 offences, including issuing 67 fines to pedestrians for jaywalking, impounded 172 public transportation vehicles, and executed 1653 arrest warrants.
Law enforcement officers made 169 arrests and issued 3 157 notices, while metro police officers made 62 arrests and issued 3242 fines.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 809 incidents over the long weekend.
These included 854 medical calls, 105 assaults, 59 domestic violence incidents, and 64 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
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Also read:
14 pedestrians among the 21 casualties on Western Cape roads
Picture: Gunnar Madlung/Unsplash
