Festive season road fatalities down in Johannesburg
Driving recklessly and under the influence remain a concern.
Earlier today, 21 January, the crime statistics for December 2018 were released by the Metro Police. They revealed that road fatalities in Johannesburg had reduced by 29 per cent over the festive period, compared to December 2017.
The number of accidents on our roads also decreased by 28 per cent.
“Although one death is one too many, I am pleased to see such a significant reduction. Our roads are becoming safer and better policed under the leadership of the MMC for Public Safety, Michael Sun, and Chief of Police, David Tembe,” said Mayor Herman Mashaba.
Also Read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2017/02/23/officials-remain-on-high-alert-as-accidents-increase-on-wet-roads/
The Metro Police deployed a focused festive season safety campaign which resulted in over 2 700 citations issued. Over 4 500 vehicles were stopped and 93 drivers were arrested for drunk driving during this campaign.
Across all of the City’s regions, including Region C, driving under the influence, reckless and negligent driving, and public violence remain big concerns.
“Operation Buya Mthetho, a daily ward-based raid initiative spanning across various departments and entities to enforce by-laws and recoup lost revenue due to illegal connections, is once again proving to be successful,” said Mashaba.
Over R118 million in revenue was recovered in December alone by Operation Buya Mthetho efforts.
“This is very concerning indeed. Illegal connections are an affront to all residents of Johannesburg. Lost revenue directly impacts the City’s ability to maintain our infrastructure and continue projects. The City’s R170 billion infrastructure is of great concern, and already impacts on the City’s ability to deliver quality services. Ultimately, illegal connections hugely obstruct efforts to reduce this backlog,” concluded Mashaba.
The Metro Police have been compiling monthly statistics since September last year and it has become a tool for reflection for the officers as well as a way of informing residents.
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