JMPD to intensify traffic management to curb traffic chaos during Eskom’s rolling blackouts

The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Public Safety has requested residents’ patience and co-operation during Eskom’s rolling black outs which have caused traffic mayhem in the City.

In order to mitigate traffic congestion, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has intensified its traffic management operations by deploying more officers and traffic points men in and around the City not only during peak hours but also during the day to ease traffic congestion.

The current stage four rolling black outs which commenced on Saturday, 16 March, left many traffic lights down, resulting in heavy traffic congestions.

 “Eskom’s load shedding/ rolling black outs have put unnecessary pressure on our already stretched metro policing capacity. As of the morning of 18 March, we had deployed a total of 153 metro police officers and traffic pointsmen across the City to direct traffic and this deployment is set to increase as we receive more complaints in the coming days,” said MMC for Public Safety, Michael Sun.

JMPD crime prevention units within each region have increased patrols in order to deter any opportunistic crime such as smash-and-grabs which may occur due to the congested traffic. Motorists are urged to be more vigilant by ensuring their bags, cell phones and valuables are kept out of sight.

The City’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) has also requested residents to be extra cautious when using candles and other flame-lit lighting devices which may cause fires when left unattended.

  “Residents must please ensure that candle sticks and other flame-lit lighting devices are secured properly and not left unattended. Parents are urged to take extra care of their children with open flames as these may cause injuries and serious fire accidents,” Sun said.

Residents can report any traffic related incidences to the JMPD traffic hotline on 080 872 3342 and any other emergencies to 011 375 5911.