JMPD launches major operation to ease traffic in Sandton and surrounds

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has rolled out a massive operation to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure road safety in Johannesburg, starting with the Grayston Drive and M1 intersection, with the help of Outsurance traffic controllers, on January 29.

According to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, the operation aims to address the chronic traffic congestion that plagues the city’s roads, particularly during peak hours.

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“We have identified over 300 major and critical intersections where we experience heavy traffic congestion, and we have deployed over 400 officers to these areas to alleviate traffic. Our mandate is to ensure that residents commute through the city without fear of congestion or being stuck in traffic,” Fihla said.

Fihla said JMPD faces several challenges, including non-functional traffic lights due to power outages or vandalism, and congested intersections where traffic lights are working but traffic is still moving slowly.

“We are not only looking at traffic control, but also road safety as a whole. We have observed that pedestrians are not using designated pedestrian bridges, and instead are crossing roads unsafely. We also have issues with informal traders and hawkers who create congestion and attract criminal activity,” he added.

Fihla commented on the issue of scholar transport as a major concern for JMPD. They have collaborated with other law enforcement agencies and organisations to investigate scholar transport operations, which often involve vehicles in poor condition and drivers without necessary documentation.

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“We have observed that these vehicles are not in a roadworthy condition, and drivers are not properly licensed. We are working with stakeholders to ensure that our learners are safe, and all road users are safe as well,” Fihla said.

The JMPD operation is part of a larger effort to improve road safety and alleviate traffic congestion in Johannesburg. The department is committed to working with residents and other stakeholders to create a safer and more efficient transportation system.

“We are committed to ensuring that our residents commute through the city safely and efficiently. This operation is just one step in our efforts to address the chronic traffic congestion and road safety issues that plague our city,” Fihla concluded.

Acting head of department for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg Vicky Manyathi said they are partnering with Johannesburg Road Agency to ensure that all traffic lights are working.

“There is an agreement between the city and the province that the traffic lights are being fixed and maintained, especially in the big and busy intersections.

“We are also planning to put CCTV cameras on the roads, particularly at the big intersections, to ensure that we are able to track and monitor movement in the high cost, intel-integrated centre of the city, and we also have a response unit that responds to activities as informed by the officers,” Manyathi said.

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