The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has warned residents that pedestrians may not cross a freeway, as doing so poses dangers to both motorists and pedestrians and is illegal.

According to Pretoria Rekord, this follows after the TMPD Pedestrian Unit arrested five pedestrians for crossing the N4 and N1 freeways on Tuesday.

Arrests for endangering motorists and pedestrians

TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba says the five were arrested for creating a pedestrian source of danger on the roadway. Three of the suspects were attempting to cross the N4 and the remaining two, the N1.

“All the arrested suspects were detained at a local police station.”

Mahamba says the TMPD urges the public to use safer transportation and avoid jaywalking to protect both pedestrians and motorists on the roads.

“TMPD remains committed to intensifying enforcement efforts to reduce road fatalities and injuries during this Transport Month.”

Crossing freeways is illegal

Road Traffic Management Corporation spokesperson Simon Zwane confirms that it is illegal for pedestrians to cross freeways in South Africa.

“This puts their lives in danger as well as the motorist’s life in danger.”

Zwane says pedestrians found crossing freeways can be arrested, taken to a police station and fined.

According to the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, crossing a freeway on foot is dangerous and illegal in South Africa and could lead to arrest and fines.

Safety tips for pedestrians

Freeways are designed for high-speed vehicles, making them extremely dangerous for pedestrians. Always use designated pedestrian bridges or overpasses instead.

Pedestrians should cross only at intersections or pedestrian crossings where drivers expect them, walking directly across the street rather than diagonally to minimise time in the roadway.

Cross only when it is safe, look both ways and wait for the green pedestrian signal before proceeding.

Avoid walking on the road where possible. If necessary, walk on the right-hand side facing oncoming traffic and as close to the edge as possible.

Wear light-coloured clothing at night to improve visibility to motorists and drivers should remain alert for unsteady pedestrians who may be under the influence of alcohol.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.