City council approves access restriction policy

The City of Johannesburg approved a revised Security Access Restriction Policy at their last meeting on 27 September.

This policy regulates ‘boom gates’ which residents’ associations manage, to assist them to reduce crime in their areas.

Over the past year, the transport department conducted a review, including a public participation process of the policy. This was as a result of a request by Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba as well as requests from residents for changes, especially as to whether they can use electronic devices such as remotes and push buttons.

“We had a very healthy process of public participation and I believe the revised policy will both make it easier for existing resident bodies to balance the security and convenience needs as well as the right of freedom of movement of residents and workers in their areas and also lead to increased compliance by residents to the policy,” said Nonhlanhla Makhuba, the MMC for Transport.

“We have introduced a number of changes both in the policy and the administration of the policy which will make it more user-friendly.”

The key changes in the policy include:

• Allowing residents’ associations to use automation such as remotes and push buttons under certain conditions. These conditions require that any automation should be actively managed through human intervention.
• Allowing pedestrian gates to be locked for certain hours at night when there is a proven security consideration.
• Requiring Public Safety (Emergency Management Services and Metro police) to give comments on proposed applications before any City approval.
• Requiring road signage at the entrances to the closure which must indicate the period of validity of a Security Access Restriction.

While the first approval of a Security Access Restriction only last two years in terms of legislation, renewals can be for a longer period on an application by the applicant. There will be a provision for explanatory notes which will be issued from time to time to respond to changes in technology or circumstances and which can assist applicants in preparing their applications.

The transport department and the Johannesburg Roads Agency have produced new simplified forms for both new and renewal applications which are available on the agency and City websites.

To inform interested residents of the changes as well as to explain a new process to apply for permanent road closures, the transport department will host a public information meeting on 5 November at 6pm at the Reception Room, Metro Centre.

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