A motorist captured this footage of a blue light convoy racing through Riverside Park, on the R40 from Nelspruit towards White River, on January 7 2014 at 09:00.
At the time this video was shot, the speed limit on the R40 was 40km/h due to the road maintenance construction project set up around the area. Ordinarily, the maxumum speed limit is set at 70km/h. The special convoy motorists and cyclists speeding past are undoudtedly, above the restriction.
Therefore, we ask you, is this kind of recklessness and disregard of traffic laws acceptable, especially from the officials? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
Watch the video here:
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In response to the video, the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison stated the following:
From what appears on the video in question, the action of the law enforcement agencies is legal as the officers managed to safely secure the intersection, ensuring that all motorists are stopped before allowing the convoy to cross. It should be noted that the convoy comprised of law enforcers such as SAPS and traffic officers who are legally empowered to control traffic.
The National Road Traffic Act (1996) allows these law enforcers, in particular SAPS members and traffic officers, to safely allow right of way to a convoy of vehicles as part of performing their duties. However, officers should use the necessary devices such as identification lights and sirens to warn other road users about the approaching convoy.
The video indicates that both identification lights and sirens were used to warn other road users. In addition, traffic officers on motorbikes secured the intersection for the safety of all road users who intended to use road.
The MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison in the province Mr Vusi Shongwe encourages motorists to obey the rules of the road of which it is one of the rules that a driver should obey any direction given by a traffic or police officer and that if a vehicle emitting appropriate identification lights (red, blue, green) approaches, motorists should always consider the safety of other road users and give way to the approaching vehicles.
Regarding the reported incident that allegedly involved Mr Pierre van Vuuren, the department will rely on the police to investigate the matter.
