Deal with disturbing noise by reporting it
The Ekurhuleni metro is encouraging residents to report disturbing noises to the metro’s nearest environmental health offices for investigation and action.
Disturbing noise such as dogs barking, loud music and shouting, to mention a few, is a public health nuisance for which an offender can be penalised.
The barking of dogs is a disturbing noise and constitutes a public health nuisance under chapter two of the public health by-laws and carries a fine of R1 000 issued under section 5(1) and/or (2).
Loud music and consumption of alcohol in public parks are only allowed in the case of organised events whereby permission is granted by the metro.
The EMPD will enforce by-laws where no permission was obtained.
Even in residential areas, loud music that disturbs peace is forbidden.
However, conditions on the use of common property in a residential complex are covered under the body corporate rules of individual complexes and are enforced by the body corporate.
By playing loud music, the following by-law is in contravention: in terms of sections eight and nine, part two of the Noise Control Regulations 1999, promulgated in terms of the Environment Conservation Act, 73 (Act 73 of 1989), as amended, “No person shall allow or permit a disturbing noise and noise nuisance to exist due to the loud playing of music on premises.”
Report noisy neighbours to the CoE Call Centre on 086 054 3000 or at the following offices during offices hours:
• Northern region on 011 999 5041
• Eastern region on 011 999 8489
• Southern region on 011 999 5988
• By-law compliance centre on 011 999 3251
Erecting a tent in the middle of the road requires permission
With alert level one lockdown in place, festivities are gaining momentum and tents are being erected, some blocking the roadway and causing motorists and pedestrians to seek alternative routes.
In addition, tarred roads are slowly deteriorating as once the pegs knocked into them to balance tents are removed they tend to result in holes that can form potholes.
Community members intending to put up tents in the middle of the street are advised to visit the nearest EMPD precinct to make their intentions known before the planned event.
After the visit to the precinct, an EMPD delegate will conduct a site inspection and provide advice before approval or declining.
The EMPD does not allow tents to be erected in the middle of the roadway, especially on public roads, but there could be exceptions depending on the area of a planned occasion and if it would be permitted. It will depend on findings collected on-site by our officer, attached signatures of neighbours in agreement, inputs from the ward councillor, local SAPS and endorsement from community leaders.
Council infrastructure like tarmacs, lampposts, road traffic signs that could be damaged during the exercise are also taken into consideration.
Community members wishing to enquire can visit their nearest EMPD precinct between 8am and 3.30pm.
How to make a traffic fine representation
Received a traffic offence fine but it’s not your car and you weren’t in the area at that time?
Motorists are advised to carefully examine the fine as it contains the call centre’s number for any queries they may have about the fine; they must also check whether the offence recorded is correct.
Motorists can contest the fine at the municipal court based on their line of defence if there is any.
Before approaching the municipal court, the aggrieved motorist must visit the nearest EMPD precinct or Municipal Traffic Court and fill in the representation form.
The National Director of Public Prosecutions states a representation may only be accepted if an affidavit, with motivation and supporting evidence is provided.
Representations are taken physically by visiting the abovementioned offices.
The EMPD deals with 12 magisterial districts, 12 different prosecutors and can therefore not provide an email address for representations.
They are, however, planning to provide an electronic method in the next financial year through their formal website.
There is no need for motorists to make appointments with prosecutors to make representations. They can do normal walk-ins during official court hours as the prosecutors serve the suspected offenders on a first-come, first-served basis.
Check traffic fines issued in Ekurhuleni on www.paycity.co.za (or use app Paycity on both iOS or Play store).
Fines can be paid on the Paycity website or through third party channels such as Absa, FNB, Paycity, South African Post Office and Standard Bank.
(Information: EMPD spokesperson Kobeli Mokheseng)
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