Process for speed cameras underway

There has been no confirmation that a tender was awarded for the implementation of permanent speed cameras in Ekurhuleni.

According to reports sent to the NEWS, a contract was awarded as from January 1.

The report also stated that the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and the company chosen were in discussions to prepare a plan to cover all operation and back office duties.

While no confirmation was received on whether the report sent to the NEWS was true, the spokesperson for the EMPD, Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago, said applications for camera sites were submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Supt Kgasago said that before cameras can be installed, all applications would be sent to the Senior Public Prosecutor to conduct on-site inspections.

“Recommendations by the SPP are then sent to the DPP for approval. Once the DPP has approved the installations, the contractor has to submit a way leaf application to a number of departments, including Eskom, Telkom and the roads department,” he said.

Supt Kgasago said the entire process could take anything from three to nine months to complete due to administrative, legal and logistical prerequisites.

Residents and ward councillors have for the last two years pleaded with council to install speed cameras on a number of dangerous roads in Edenvale, including Terrace Road.

In April last year, an accident at the intersection of Terrace and Columbus roads claimed the lives of four youngsters; Wesley Simpson, Tamlyn Lewis, Slade Mathews and Angelia Maree.

Shortly after the accident, Ekurhuleni’s executive mayor, Clr Mondli Gungubele, called for council to look into ways of minimising accidents on Terrace Road.

Despite regular operations aimed at catching speeding motorists on the notorious road, motorists continue to travel on Terrace Road at high speeds.

Many feel that the only way to curb speeding on Terrace Road, and other roads in Edenvale, would be to install permanent speed cameras.