Despite traffic volumes increasing because of the school holidays, no serious accidents have been reported the last week and a half.
According to Moete Mmusi of the Department of Safety, Security and Liaison, traffic volumes were expected to increase due to Innibos (July 1 to July 4) as people from all over the country would be travelling to Mbombela.
Travellers are urged not to pay spot fines to traffic officials as this is illegal. Authorities and tourism stakeholders have been battling for almost a year to root out this type of corruption.
The Hazyview Chamber of Business and Tourism (HCBT), in partnership with Kruger Lowveld Tourism also issued warning cards to be handed out to tourists travelling in the area.
Motorists that are stopped for traffic transgressions are reminded that they need to get a written ticket, which can then be paid at the nearest traffic offices, Magistrate’s Court or police station. An official receipt will then be issued. In the case of suspicious behaviour, motorists can also ask the officer for his or her identification. Motorists are cautioned not to take officers’ pictures without their consent as this is illegal and can also lead to aggressive behaviour.
The HCBT’s warning cards have since been invaluable to various foreign tourists and prevented them falling victim to unscrupulous traffic officials.
The most recent victims of this kind of corruption mentioned that were pulled over for traffic violations and given price lists showing the “fine” for each “transgression”. They are then given the option of paying it at the authorities or paying it by the roadside. As many tourists are unaware that this is illegal they end up paying thousands (or whatever they have in cash) to avoid the inconvenience.
Motorists are also reminded that flashing red traffic lights should be treated as four-way stops and they can be fined for just driving through the intersection.
The HCBT is currently working with various authorities to put a stop to the corruption and urge establishments to inform their tourists about these problems and to report these cases to the police.
Motorists (especially tourists) that have been the victims of roadside corruption are urged to contact the HCBT’s tourist liaison officer, Elvis Ngomane on 073-741-3553 for help or to report the case.
To find out more about the warning cards or the HCBT, send an email to Chris Harvie at cbharvie@gmail.com.
