Readers have their say on ‘virtually non-existent’ EMPD pointsmen

If the sentiments echoed by our readers are anything to go by, motorists are displeased with what they call Boksburg EMPD’s apathy to help ease the problem of traffic congestion caused by load-shedding.

In our recent report on the problem, the EMPD, however, told this publication that although officers can’t be at every corner and intersection, main arterial routes and known grid-locked intersections are prioritised across the city during the rolling blackouts.
This publication again last week reached out to the EMPD for comment on the said ‘poor’ service delivery in Boksburg, but no response was received at the time of going to press.

With the continued power cuts disrupting the flow of traffic in the city, we asked our readers if they think enough is being done to mitigate traffic congestion during load-shedding and also asked them if they have spotted any EMPD officer directing traffic recently.
The response received suggests that such service is virtually non-existent in Boksburg and some surrounding towns.
Others even said metro police turn a blind eye to the city’s gridlocked roads and those who find themselves stuck in heavy traffic, use their sirens and blue lights to drive past the area by driving on the emergency lanes.

Here is what our online readers had to say:
Michelle Shella Ferreira: No! When the power is off, they are off as well.
Nicolaas Rosslee: I never once saw them directing traffic at busy intersections when there is load-shedding.
Steven Hall: The EMPD will drive pass and won’t even stop to get traffic going. Hopeless … never ask them for help.
Tanya Frara: Is this a joke?
Louise Burwise: Metro who? Do we get a reward if we spot one during traffic congestion?
Christopher Ellis Allen: What is an EMPD points man? Asking for a friend.
Ena Albrecht: Nowhere to be seen!! Hulle skitter in hulle awesigheid en maak KFC and Chicken Licken ryk.
Victor Beukes: Absolutely not. They are even in that same traffic staring straight and saying to themselves, ‘if I don’t look around they won’t notice me, besides it’s not my job’ attitudes.
Chantelle Smit Ceronio: What is that? Can you eat it? If only we could see more metro around and helping protect and help us, but yes say no more!
Heila Brophy: It is not a question of doing enough! They are not doing anything! The amount of time and petrol/diesel we waste sitting in the traffic is atrocious! And, not a traffic cop in sight!
Anet Cronje: Who is that, or what is it?
Denise Terblanche: The only time I’ve seen them is when they cause mayhem at peak times during road blocks and training sessions.
Lawrence James Graham: Never seen an EMPD officer doing point duty. Did see one use his siren to jump the queue.
Johan Dorfling: The only time you see EMPD in Boksburg is if you go to KFC or Chicken Licken.
Stephen Ambartzakis: The next EMPD officer that I see directing traffic during load shedding will be the first.

Also Read: WATCH: Load shedding causing chaos on major routes, pointsmen nowhere to be seen