Mayor Tania Campbell officially launched the festive season Arrive Alive campaign in the City on December 14.
Campbell was accompanied by her newly appointed MMC in charge of Community Safety, Victor Letlhogonolo Moseki.
The launch took place in the form of a roadblock along Snake Road.
Members of the EMPD and Gauteng Traffic Police inspected motorists for legal compliance with the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offenses Act of 1998.
During the course of the roadblock, Campbell engaged with motorists and urged them to take extra precautions on the road during the festive season.
“I humbly call upon all motorists to be extra cautious on the roads this festive season. As it stands, pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users in Ekurhuleni,” she said.
“In line with the World Health Organisation Global Road Safety Performance Targets, we must be extra careful and vigilant of pedestrians on the road.
“EMPD officials will be out in their numbers this festive season to ensure the safety of motorists on our roads and enforce the law against any form of traffic violations.
“This festive season will also mark the reunion of many families and friends across the country, following numerous travel restrictions and nationwide lockdowns.
“The Omicron variant of Covid-19 is driving the spread of the fourth wave in South Africa and now is not the time to relax.
“We must continue to protect ourselves and our loved ones by getting vaccinated and observing the basic Covid-19 protocols, such as wearing a mask, sanitising or washing your hands frequently and maintaining social distance.”
Historical data from the EMPD Accident Reconstruction Unit states the highest cases of road fatalities take place between 20:00 and 24:00, predominantly on Fridays and Saturdays.
Furthermore, the adverse weather patterns we are experiencing this December are characterised by high levels of rainfall that limits visibility and may adversely affect the reaction times of motorists.
Campbell has advised the chief of police of the EMPD to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to road safety this festive season, as she hopes to see an aggressive decline in road fatalities in the City of Ekurhuleni over this 2021 festive season.
