The festive season brings joy and celebration, but it also poses risks, especially on the roads. Through the ‘Safer Festive Season’ campaign, the Public Safety Department is gearing up to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors during this period. Following its launch by the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, Cllr. Mgcini Tshwaku, at the intersection of Witkoppen and Cedar Road in Fourways, the campaign promises to focus on by-law management, fire safety, the management of fireworks displays, drowning prevention, flash floods, anti-fraud and corruption, event management, as well as incident and disaster management compliance.
The Public Safety Department’s divisions involved in the campaign include the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Emergency Management Services (EMS), Licencing, and Disaster Management.
“As we approach the holiday period, the Public Safety Department will be on high alert and will implement additional measures to enhance visible road policing, emergency management, and crime prevention as criminals become more active as the community is relaxed and residents are left vulnerable,” says Cllr. Tshwaku.
The MMC notes that the Tactical Response Unit (TRU) will be deployed to crime hotspots, major roadblocks will be set up across the City, and stringent by-law enforcement operations will ensure safety compliance in establishments throughout Johannesburg.
The Safer Festive Season campaign focuses on several key areas to enhance public safety, including crime prevention, reduction in road fatalities, drunk driving, vehicle and driver fitness, public transport compliance, and pedestrian safety awareness.
Because the festive season coincides with summer holidays, Cllr. Tshwaku says this often leads to heightened activities and increased travel.
This surge in road users often results in elevated traffic volumes and, unfortunately, a rise in road fatalities.
“Our objective is to ensure the safety of Johannesburg residents during the festive season by addressing issues like inconsiderate driving and reducing road fatalities,” he adds.
MMC Tshwaku says inconsiderate driving, including offences like driving under the influence and reckless driving, usually become more prevalent on Joburg roads during this season, posing a threat to public safety.
He says proactive measures are being taken by the Public Safety Department to counter these challenges.
At the campaign launch, MMC Tshwaku and senior public safety officials interacted with motorists, emphasising the importance of obeying road rules and discouraging
drinking and driving. Various activities, including stop and search operations, roadworthy testing, and the distribution of educational pamphlets, took place.
“As the ‘Safer Festive Season’ campaign unfolds, Johannesburg aims to create a harmonious and safe environment for residents and visitors alike. By addressing various safety concerns and implementing proactive policing and other measures, the City strives to make the festive season joyful and accident-free,” says Cllr. Tshwaku.
The MMC says motorists in Johanneaburg can contribute to the success of the campaign by obeying road rules, avoiding drinking and driving, and staying informed about safety measures.
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Written by Nomasonto Manyehlisa
4.11.2023