Unmanned cameras to patrol provincial roads again
Automatic number-plate recognition software has also been fitted onto traffic-enforcement vehicles to assist in tracking motorists with outstanding penalties.
NELSPRUIT – The traffic police is to again implement the use of unmanned speed cameras to catch those driving over the limit.
Last week the Provincial Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison announced that automated cameras would be mounted at strategic places. The information captured by them is to be downloaded and used to issue summonses to those who are caught driving above the speed limit.
The cameras are to be used across the province. Medaco Consortium is to supply the software and equipment which will be used by traffic officials.
“These activities will be guided by Operation Slow Down which will enhanced build up to Transport Month and the festive season of 2013/14,” said Mr Joseph Mabuza, spokesman for the department. According to its MEC Mr Vusi Shongwe, speed has been identified as one of the major contributors to road accidents.
“The department is serious about reducing accidents that are as a result of human error and this is one of the strategies that will be used by it to enhance road safety,” he said.
Automatic number-plate recognition software has also been fitted onto traffic-enforcement vehicles. These will patrol provincial roads and assist in tracking motorists with outstanding
summonses for prosecution purposes, according to the department. Meanwhile, officers will concentrate on monitoring traffic, ensuring vehicle fitness and conducting roadblocks.
“The ultimate objective of the department is to ensure that roads are safe for every driver and pedestrian in the province,” said Shongwe.
Previously, Traffic Management Technologies had had a two-year contract to operate unmanned speed-trapping cameras. It expired in January 2012 following reports that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had not given permission for the use of unmanned cameras.
“It was envisaged that a traffic officer would be at the camera site at all times. It was never contemplated that a traffic officer would leave the camera in the care of a guard. This practice discredits speed prosecution by camera and must stop immediately,” according to a letter from the NPA dated September 19, 2011.
At the time of going to print, the department had not responded to queries about whether or not it had received written permission from the NPA to use unmanned speed cameras or automatic number-plate recognition software.
