PB PALMER writes:
Last year in May I was given a traffic fine for crossing a red traffic light.
These lights are on Pretoria Road at the Le Farge cement depot turn off and service only the turn into the Le Farge depot.
The EMPD was standing a couple of hundred meters further down the road pulling off motorists. They were barely visible from the traffic lights using a bend in the road for cover.
The day of the offence was a Sunday and a public holiday. I travel that road frequently and know that the traffic into and out of the depot is occasional and infrequent. I had come to a complete stop at the traffic light and after determining that there was no traffic coming from Le Farge, I proceeded against the red light.
Many taxis and vehicles who habitually use this road do the same thing, often using the turning lane as an overtaking lane but usually do not slow down at all. This applies to traffic approaching the lights in both directions.
I wrote a written submission to contest the fine to the public prosecutor at 11 Long Street and on the day of the court appearance, was informed by the public prosecutor that my case had been “thrown out”.
My points are twofold. Firstly, could the EMPD desist from “soft target” stations whereby tickets are easy to acquire, increasing revenue without actually doing much to ensure safe driving practices on our roads.
Prior to receiving the fine, I had been overtaken by three vehicles on a solid line near the sand works. These actions were far more dangerous than my alleged offence.
Secondly, the traffic lights in question service occasional vehicles from the Le Farge depot and these lights should have a demand feed system so that the traffic lights only turn to red when there is a vehicle approaching from the depot.
I contend that the primary purpose of any metro and traffic police department is to ensure and maintain smooth and efficient traffic flow, be vigilantly aware of dangerous driving practices in known road sections where incidents involving vehicle collisions and accidents are high and not to sit in shaded areas acquiring revenue through traffic fines because it is easier to do so.
