Load-shedding is here to stay, leading to multiple issues ranging from cable theft to unauthorised traffic control.
Despite the challenges faced by the community, members of the metro police have made it their priority to gradually eradicate some of these issues, mainly focusing on traffic control.
With every intersection being affected by blackouts, load-shedding and the vandalism of traffic lights, travelling has been one of the main problems that South Africans have been facing.
According to the spokesperson of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, Officer Xolani Fihla, members of the force have been tasked with reducing heavy traffic congestion.
“Taking a step forward in alleviating traffic congestion during peak hours, a directive was issued that all JMPD officers must take up point during these periods between 06:00 to 09:00 and 15:00 to 18:00. Officers cannot be at every corner and every intersection, so with the assistance of traffic free flow sponsored by Outsurance, heavily congested and major routes are prioritised,” said Fihla.
Fihla urged drivers to not hand money to unauthorised people controlling traffic due to various challenges.
“We discourage motorists from giving unauthorised people money as an incentive to control traffic. This encourages them to continue, and even go to the extent of tampering with traffic lights and traffic lights controller boxes to make money. It further endangers the lives of individuals as they may be run over by vehicles,” said Fihla.
“We encourage members of the public to report any issues about traffic lights, cable theft, flooding, vandalism, accidents, broken-down vehicles, traffic violations, areas where traffic is gridlocked and where unauthorised people are controlling traffic, by calling the City of Johannesburg’s emergency number 011 375 5911 and the JMPD emergency number 011 758 9624.
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