City of Joburg transport department invites the community and interested parties to a public information meeting where the new process of permanent road closure applications will be explained.
The meeting will be held on November 15 at 6pm at the reception room at Metro Centre.
This follows the approval of the revised Security Access Restriction Policy at the Johannesburg council meeting on September 27.
This policy regulates boom gates which residents associations manage to assist them to reduce crime in their areas.
Over the past year, the transport department conducted a review, including a public participation process of the Security Access Restriction Policy.
This was as a result of a request by the executive mayor, Clr Herman Mashaba, as well as requests from residents for changes especially as to whether they can use electronic devices such as remotes and push buttons.
Member of the Mayoral Committee on Transport, Clr Nonhlanhla Makhuba, said council introduced a number of changes both in the policy and the administration of the policy, which will make it more user friendly.
“We had a very healthy process of public participation and I believe the revised policy will both make it easier for existing resident bodies to balance the security and convenience needs as well as the right of freedom of movement of residents and workers in their areas and also lead to increased compliance by residents to the policy,” said Makhuba.
The key changes in the policy include:
• Allowing resident associations to use automation such as remotes and push buttons under certain conditions. These conditions require that any automation should be actively managed through human intervention;
• Allowing pedestrian gates to be locked for certain hours at night when there is a proven security consideration;
• Requiring Public Safety (Emergency Management Services and JMPD) to comment on proposed applications before any City approval;
• Requiring road signage at the entrances to the closure, which must indicate the period of validity of a security access restriction;
• While the first approval of a security access restriction only lasts two years in terms of legislation, renewals can be for a longer period on application by the applicant; and
• Provision for explanatory notes that will be issued from time to time to respond to changes in technology or circumstances and which can assist applicants in preparing their applications.
The Transport Department and JRA have produced new simplified forms for both new and renewal applications, which are available on the JRA’s and city’s websites.
