So this morning, January 23 at about 7.15am I took the Swartkoppies onramp from the R59.
And like all other motorists, we were patiently awaiting our turn to get onto Swartkoppies, but not without incident.
First, it was a taxi driver who squeezed in between the lane turning left and the first lane to the right, creating his own lane to turn right.
He was soon followed by a young man in a black Volkswagen vehicle who did the same, just to skip the red traffic light to turn left in front of oncoming traffic.
But then, on my third stop, waiting my turn, comes this white Ford Ranger bakkie, clearly marked with the EMM logo, registration number CW 69 YN GP.
He had little white lights flashing and I assume he expected everyone to think he was on his way to some kind of emergency.
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However, when he reached the front, creating his own fourth, and let me remind you, illegal lane, he stopped at the red traffic light – just to push in front of the first vehicle waiting his turn to turn to the right as the light went green.
Strangely enough, on the Swartkoppies bridge, there were three traffic officers, who must have noticed all of these offenders and did what? Nothing!
There was no rush for this EMM vehicle.
Once he made his illegal turn, he eased into the traffic and off he went.
Maybe he was late for work and could not wait his turn in the queue forming from the R59’s side.
We only managed to take a photograph of his registration number at the traffic light further down in Swartkoppies.
I want to know what is going to happen to this EMM employee.
I need to know why we have traffic officers on point not doing their duties.
But I suppose, like with so many other letters from residents published in the RECORD, it will once again state that EMM failed to reply at the time of going to press.
Gatvol resident
The RECORD sent the letter for comment to EMM on January 23.
At the time of our deadline on Friday morning, January 25 at 10am no comment has been received from the EMM spokesperson, Themba Gadebe.
The following comment came from Alderman Izak Berg, chairperson for community safety in a reply to the RECORD’s request for comment to the same department:
“Please attend to this as a matter of urgency.
“I think you will have to get a written affidavit from the complainant to ensure charges are brought against the culprits.
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“The bridge on the R59 is a problem especially trying to get on the highway from Swartkoppies.
“Could you please do law enforcement on the bridge especially during peak hours.
“I can meet with you to point out the concerns of road users.
“Please advise and give me feedback.”
Wilfred M. Kgasago, chief superintendent EMPD spokesperson commented as follows:
“Please note that during peak traffic periods, EMPD deploys traffic wardens at all pre-identified critical intersections in order to assist with traffic control mainly to prevent unnecessary traffic congestion.
“Therefore, traffic wardens can only jot down registrations of vehicles going against the rules of the road as they cannot issue summonses for moving violations.
“The vehicle mentioned in the email below (Ford Ranger CW 69 YN GP) belongs to the City of Ekurhuleni and is used by the fleet section.
“I suggest you re-direct the query to the EMM spokesperson, Themba Gadebe.
“The supervisor of the said vehicle will look into the matter and take the necessary steps.”
*With reference to Alderman Berg’s comment, the writer of the letter feels there is no need for a written affidavit since she had no reason to not be truthful about the incident and that EMM should get its house in order.
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