WATCH: Ekurhuleni launches road safety campaign
Mayor Tania Campbell urges drivers to be safe on the roads this festive season.
City of Ekurhuleni Mayor Tania Campbell has urged motorists to be extremely vigilant on the roads this festive season to save lives.
Campbell was speaking during the launch of the road safety campaign on the R554 in Leondale on November 22, where she also advised motorists taking long trips to avoid fatigue by taking regular comfort breaks.
“It is also important that we appeal to drivers to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding as these are factors that have resulted in many deaths on our roads,” she said.
The mayor called on drivers to adhere to the rules of the road at all times.
“This includes having car seats for small children and ensuring that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up,” she said, adding that keeping a safe following distance and staying alert at all times are equally critical.
City of Ekurhuleni chief of police, chief of police, Major General Isaac Mapiyeye, said the EMPD would focus on reducing fatalities and alienating unroadworthy vehicles on the road while increasing police visibility as the metro police ramp up crime prevention this festive season.
“Last year we had a high number of pedestrian fatalities. Most were caused by them walking on the road under the influence of alcohol and not wearing visible clothing at night. Motorists must be on high alert for pedestrians and respect the rules of the road,” said Mapiyeye, appealing to road users and the public, in general, to obey officers when giving them orders.
The cityÂ’s festive campaign will continue throughout December into the better part of January.
“All our units are ready and we shall make sure that there is no room for lawlessness this festive season in Ekurhuleni.
“However, for us to win this war, we shall require public participation hence our appeal to the community to share information on crime with us as and when available,” Mapiyeye said.
