Beware! Speed cameras can scan 8,5km radius

December 05, 2007 Edition 4

"You have been warned - we will show no mercy to any driver who breaks the law."

This was the warning of KwaZulu Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Bheki Cele as he launched the Summer Holiday Road Safety Plan yesterday.

Four people were injured after a taxi turf war broke out involving taxi associations from around Durban just hours after the plan was launched.

In addition to the usual speed traps, the department now has cameras that will monitor the average speeds of all vehicles through an 8,5km radius before and after driving past the device.

"The number plates and vehicle images will be recorded and transferred through advanced computerised technology to the relevant camera office," Cele said.

He said the summer holiday was a period of unacceptably high levels of deviant driver behaviour, which contributed to the carnage on the roads. "Some of the potential threats we usually face during this time include public-transport violence; escalation of cash-in-transit heists; hijacking of goods and vehicles; fraudulent driving licence and learner's licence activities; abuse and misuse of alcohol and drugs; and unroadworthy vehicles used to fill increased demand for transport."

Cele stressed that the department would continue to reinforce its 100% compliance policy, which included programmes that informed and educated people about correct road safety behaviour. "All personnel will be made available during this period to ensure support for intensified law-enforcement initiatives. The 'no leave' policy will apply from December 1 to January 14."

He said police had also embarked on an interprovincial campaign to hold cross-border multidisciplinary roadblocks. "We will have Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal cross-border roadblocks on the N2 at Kokstad, and Free State and KwaZulu Natal cross-border roadblocks on the N3 at Van Reenen's Pass.

"We will also target the Majuba Pass on the N11, which is used by illegal immigrants," Cele added. - Sapa
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