Where is the EMPD at intersections?

BARRY from Terenure writes:

I would like to pose a question to our traffic police.

Why is it that there is so much focus on speed trapping on our roads, to the point where it really is considered socially unacceptable to speed, whereas there is absolutely no attempt to eliminate any of the other real dangers on our roads?

By real dangers, I would have to focus on the current practice of failing to stop at traffic lights and stop streets. Clearly, the probability of accidents at intersections is great if road users are going to ignore the lights.

I fear for my family every time they go out as this behaviour continues to worsen while the authorities do absolutely nothing!

The technology exists and has been used in the past to enforce traffic light laws, but it seems that the few cameras that were in existence have gone or are no longer used.

I, and I am sure most road users, would be keen to see some real action in this regard – not just more excuses or promises.

Chief Supt Wilfred Kgasago, metro police spokesman, replies:

There is a vast difference between perception and reality!

I shall first start by correcting the complainant that we are not the traffic police. It is now 12 years since the various traffic departments in Ekurhuleni were merged and a metro police department came into being.

The responsibilities of us as a metro police expanded hugely vis a vis the duties of a traffic officer. Our mandate is crime prevention, traffic policing and by-law enforcement.

Consequently, we work smartly based on the statistical information and intelligence at our disposal that indicates to us both accident and crime hot spots which guide us to deploy officers accordingly.

The complainant must do a simple mathematical computation which will make reality dawn to him that officers cannot be at each and every problematic intersection or location 24/7. We plan and prioritise and hope that at places where we cannot be, irresponsible drivers and other road users learn that it is not worth it to wilfully and knowingly commit wrongdoings.

Bottom line is that where we deploy, we show no mercy to the motorists who endanger other road users – the book is thrown at them. Statistical facts are available and are public information to corroborate good results from officers’ efforts.

The accusation levelled against us that we do nothing is grossly inaccurate. EMPD officers go out to the road on a daily basis and do their utmost to ensure safety for all despite all sorts of dangers confronting them. The complainant must take cognizance of the fact that it is ill-advised to accuse authorities because of isolated incidents of irresponsible conduct by some drivers.

I want to re-assure the complainant that on any given day, our main purpose is to protect him and his family from road rogues and criminals and we shall continue to do so as long as the metro exists.