Advocate Jean Berdou, chairperson of the Douglasdale Community Policing Forum said residents would have noticed a marked increase in the presence of Metro police units in the area with improved visibility, bylaw enforcement, speed traps, control of hawkers and illegal poster removals.
According to Berdou, last month more than 600 illegal posters were removed by Metro police, more than 500 fines were issued to motorists and taxis, and a larger number of roadblocks and speed traps have taken place.
Berdou said residents could expect more roadblocks and vehicle checks in the coming days. “We [the forum] are working closely with Metro police and are receiving excellent co-operation from Commander Patrick Jaca and his teams,” Berdou said. “We have formed a sub-committee headed by Willem Hazewentus to address taxi issues and are in the process of forming an additional sub-committee to focus on illegal hawking, dumping and illegal signage.
Berdou also mentioned the excellent work done by the forum’s deputy chair, David Foley who has been active in working with Johannesburg Roads Agency and other departments to address street lighting and other municipal issues that have an effect on area security.
“We are determined to ensure our residents observe the rules of the road and avoid incidents of road rage,” Berdou said.
