WATCH: EMPD to monitor the city’s roads through this festive season

City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) Mayor Tania Campbell has pleaded with drivers to exercise extra caution on the roads this holiday season.

Campbell gave her remarks at the road safety campaign’s R554 launch in Leondale, where she also suggested that drivers of lengthy trips take regular rest breaks to prevent fatigue.

The executive mayor urged motorists to abstain from speeding and driving under the influence because these behaviours have contributed to several fatalities on the roads. She urged everyone on the road to always follow the law.

“Keeping a safe following distance and staying alert at all times is equally critical to ensure that everyone is safe on the roads. This includes having car seats for small children and ensuring everyone in the vehicle is buckled up,” said Campbell.

CoE chief of police, Major General Isaac Mapiyeye, also joined the campaign.

Mapiyeye said the EMPD will focus on reducing fatalities and alienating unroadworthy vehicles on the road while increasing police visibility as the metro police ramp up crime prevention this festive season.

“Last year we had a high number of pedestrian fatalities. Most were caused by walking on the road under the influence of alcohol and not wearing visible clothing at night. Motorists must also be on high alert for pedestrians and respect the rules of the road,” said Mapiyeye.

All city units are equipped and the EMPD will make sure that this holiday season in Ekurhuleni leaves no place for lawlessness.

The CoE urges the public to help them win this battle. They request locals to share any accessible information on crime with the EMPD.

This campaign will continue through December and run into January. To report any crime, call 086 001 0111.