These programmes will ensure that commuters receive a safe, easily accessible and affordable transport network that is environmentally friendly, integrating motorised and non-motorised transportation. This is known as the Integrated Rapid Transport Network (IRPTN).
Transport Month comes at a time when eThekwini Municipality has started on an infrastructure upgrade programme which is set to change the face of the city. This infrastructure upgrade involves road construction and rehabilitation, rail and port improvements.
eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) started a Transport Month awareness drive with a visit to the Soldiers Way long distance taxi rank to create awareness and road safety.
Exciting projects have already been launched in the first phase of the IRPTN, such as the new additional fleet of buses, construction of cycle lanes and the cashless travel card.
“As the city we would like to stress the importance of adhering to the rules of the road. Road fatalities such as Field’s Hill accidents continue to be a major concern to us. The public can be assured that Metro Police will continue with its enforcement operation to check the roadworthiness of trucks travelling on that route and on other roads in the eThekwini Municipal area,” said deputy mayor, Nomvuzo Shabalala.
“Government is steadfast on reducing road fatalities, which remain unacceptably high. Community Road Safety councils have been established to identify high accident areas and implement interventions such as traffic-calming measures like speed humps, traffic circles, visible road signage and traffic lights,” Shabalala added.
The city has arranged a series of educational campaigns to raise awareness on public roads to promote road safety during this month.
“As we are heading towards the festive season, we encourage motorists to buckle up, do not drink and drive, take regular breaks when driving long distances and to refrain from speeding,” she said.
