THE days of treating traffic laws with disdain will soon be over for motorists in the City of uMhlathuze.
Law enforcement – especially with regard to moving violations such as jumping red robots and ignoring stop signs – is to be intensified using advanced technology.
In addition, the city’s fleet of traffic vehicles is to be equipped with ‘American style’ on-board cameras.
Not only will traffic officers on patrol be able to record moving offences, the cameras will also record video footage of conversations with drivers – thus capturing offers of bribery and corruption.
The equipment will include automatic number plate recognition that could ‘red flag’ traffic police to outstanding warrants, wanted suspects or other relevant information.
Licence discs will also be scanned and immediately captured live in the system, which would avoid possible writing errors and allow fines to be issued without the officer taking notes.
Mobile, vandalism-proof ‘robot cameras’ will also be implemented, again with video capability.
Earlier this month, the city advertised a tender for ‘the supply, installation and maintenance of multi-functional traffic law enforcement cameras and back office services’.
With the procurement process already in motion, the new systems could be in place as early as September.
With the specialised equipment at its disposal, the city will lead the way in traffic enforcement.
The new electronic law enforcement methods will also alleviate, to an extent, the current shortage of traffic officers on the ground.
‘It is high time that the city advances to state-of-the-art technology in fighting crime and traffic offences,’ said Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo.
Zululand Business Against Crime Manager Dave Whittaker also expressed support.
‘It is very exciting to see these plans coming to fruition,’ he said
‘We look forward to a massive reduction in offences, safer roads and hopefully a positive behavioural change on the part of drivers.’
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
