Newcastle Municipality in partnership with the Taxi Association, EMRS, SAPS, RTI and ER 24 launched October Transport Month on Wednesday, October 22.
“This campaign is to ensure that both pedestrians and motorists are kept safe on our roads. Traffic safety is a continuous initiative of community services and the traffic department,” said Strategic Executive Director for Community Services, Mandla Sithole.
“In a nutshell we are here to inform you as the people who ensure safety on our roads that we are here for you,” said Chief of Operations, Errol Mswane who gave an overview of the event.
Present to officially launch the campaign was Mayor Afzul Rehman; “October Transport Month arrives at a time filled with excitement and preparation for the festive season. We must not forget to create road safety awareness for our motorists and pedestrians by implementing safety procedures on our roads that are going to help avoid accidents and ensure no loss of life.”
Newcastle is the fastest growing town second to Richards Bay. In economic terms the rate in which the town is growing will result in more vehicles on its roads. The Newcastle Municipality has already taken steps towards ensuring a reliable transport system by continuously tarring, opening and improving more roads. In addition, sidewalks in townships and suburbs are being paved to ensure citizens and children are kept away from busy roads.
The Newcastle Municipality is looking toward having a “car-free day”, where residents will be encouraged to use public transportation to minimise traffic congestion on roads.
Traffic officers were awarded with training certificates and encouraged to continue keeping motorists safe.
“When you put on your uniform you are a cut above the rest; we need to bring back respect for the men in uniform, but with respect comes the responsibility to first respect yourself,” said Mayor Afzul Rehman.
