EMPD keep its promises of upholding the law
The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department put its attention more on the Swartkoppies Road in Alberton as it is one of their main roads in the area.
A month ago, the Alberton Record covered a story about the EMPD vowing to uphold the law in the streets of Alberton.
The Alberton Record has been keeping a close eye on the on-ramp from the R59 to Swartkoppies Road, but like previously, as of the time of publication, no EMPD officers have been deployed to monitor the situation or issue fines to offenders.
The on-ramp to Swartkoppies Road, travelling on the R59 from Vereeniging’s side, is still a nightmare in the morning rush hour traffic. Drivers are still making illegal right turns from a lane which is clearly marked for turning left only into Swartkoppies Road.
However, the EMPD is adamant that officers have been monitoring Swartkoppies Road since the Alberton Record forwarded the query to the department.
EMPD media liaison officer, Kobeli Mokhoseng, said officers are being deployed and patrol daily on Swartkoppies Road because the road is one of the main and strategic routes in Alberton.
“So far, 791 fines were issued in Swartkoppies Road. We have arrested 21 individuals for drinking and driving and reckless and negligent driving with other crime-related incidents. Fines are being issued almost daily at different intersections of Swartkoppies Road. The R59 highway is monitored and patrolled by our Freeway Unit,” said Kobeli.
The City of Ekurhuleni’s EMPD division is responsible for providing services of licensing, bylaw enforcement, traffic law enforcement and crime prevention.
Residents, however, are still of the opinion that drivers break the road laws while metro officials are inside their cars during the ‘visibility’ periods.
Kobeli emphasised that should one see an EMPD officer or officers sitting in their cars during rush hour and think they are idle or otherwise not fulfilling their duties, please approach and ask them. Alternatively, call the call centre on 086 054 3000.
“Visibility is to reduce crime in most cases. We recently had the festive season launch, where we introduced the Arrive Alive Campaign. This campaign was introduced because we as the department ensure that every driver behind the wheel adheres to rules and signs to minimise the number of incidents in the area,” Kobeli said.
According to the EMPD media liaison officer, a long-run solution to avoid this from happening is for individuals to report officers to the call centre on 086 054 3000 or visit the nearest EMPD precinct during office hours.
Drivers have to avoid accidents this festive season by:
• No driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Wearing of a safety belt.
• Keeping to the speed limit.
• Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy.
• Stick to road markings.
• Stay clear of yellow lanes.
• Pay attention to arrows indicating whether you can turn left, right or go straight.
