Filming traffic violations could land you a fine

Recording a traffic offence on your smartphone could lead to a traffic fine if you are caught, Rekord East reports.

This is according to Tshwane metro police department spokesperson Isaac Mahamba.

Mahamba said using a cellphone while driving is a punishable offence and no one is exempted.

“If you are caught using a cellphone while driving, you will be issued with a fine regardless of whether you were recording a traffic offence or not.”

This follows a spate of images and video clips on social media depicting flagrant disregard for traffic rules by taxis in various parts of Pretoria.

Mahamba said fines are issued for all traffic violations such as driving on the emergency yellow lane, lanes designated for buses or onto oncoming traffic.

He said the TMPD had identified several traffic hotspots citywide where officers have been deployed to monitor traffic during morning and afternoon peak hours.

Mahamba urged motorists to always obey the rules of the road and avoid endangering other road users by driving recklessly.

Roads and transport MMC Sheila Lynn Senkubuge also condemned the use of lanes designated for buses by motorists.

“The city strongly discourages illegal use of such lanes by any vehicles other than A re yeng buses.”

“Our goal for a seamless, integrated public transport work has our designated lanes at the heart of it,” she said.

“It is imperative that all road users obey the rules.”

“This matter goes beyond taxi drivers using designated lanes. It speaks to the utter disregard that many road users have for road safety rules.”

She said her department would partner with the TMPD to ensure that motorists obey traffic rules.