Work together for safer roads

The festive season each year is marked by high traffic volumes along arterial routes which coincide with year-end school and industry closure periods, as well as Christmas and New Year long weekends.

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) plans to significantly step-up road safety operations during the 2013 festive season.

Officers will take a zero tolerance approach to motorists driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and un-roadworthy vehicles.

Motorists can be assured that there would be an increase in visible and proactive enforcement over the festive period.

The EMPD reminded motorists that road safety is the responsibility of all road users.

Motorists are asked to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and they possess valid documentation.

Cyclists are encouraged to wear safety head-gear and pedestrians are advised to desist from jay-walking and using the freeways and to wear visible clothing at night.

The EMPD is committed to ensuring Ekurhuleni is safer for all its citizens and those visiting.

Members of the community are urged to report criminal activities taking place or activities they suspect are about to take place.

“I would like to wish the Ekurhuleni community a peaceful and safe festive season and implore drivers to be considerate at all times and to act in a responsible manner on our roads,” said chief of police, Hlula Msimang.

“Let us obey the rules of the road to the letter so as to arrive comfortably and safely at our destinations. Let us ensure that safety belts are used and that children are also properly restrained during the road trips. Motorists are urged to plan thoroughly for the journeys they will be undertaking to identify safe way points in order to avert the dangerous element of fatigue,” he said.