THE Durban North and uMhlanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) has renewed its call for residents to formally report incidents of speeding, reckless driving and excessive vehicle noise, saying complaints raised only on social media are limiting law enforcement’s ability to act.

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According to the CPF, complaints have been received from across uMhlanga, including the Village, Ridge, Rocks Drive, Sunningdale and the stretch between Gateway and Sunningdale.

The number of complaints are high and the impact on residents has been ongoing, particularly late at night.

CPF PRO Darryl Oliver said authorities are dealing with recurring incidents involving loud vehicles, excessive revving, wheel spinning and “donuts”, often linked to a small number of drivers.

“We are seeing the same behaviour repeated by one or two individuals, but without formal complaints and evidence, it becomes extremely difficult for SAPS and Metro Police to intervene decisively,” said Oliver.

He explained that the CPF acts as a bridge between residents and law enforcement, working alongside SAPS, Durban Metro Police and eThekwini Traffic to ensure proper processes are followed and cases are escalated where necessary.

“One of our biggest challenges is that people are understandably afraid of confrontation or road rage, so they don’t want to open cases. But opening a case and getting a reference number is the very thing that allows police to investigate and take action,” said Oliver.

He added that visible policing remains a deterrent, but resources are limited and police cannot be present in every area at all times.

“People behave differently when police are visible, but that presence can’t be permanent. What does make a difference is solid evidence and follow-through, because prosecution is the strongest deterrent,” he said.

Humps not a deterrent for speeding
Oliver noted that while traffic calming measures such as speed humps are often suggested, they do little to prevent revving, racing or reckless driving.

“Humps don’t stop someone from revving an engine or racing late at night. What works is visible policing combined with good, well-documented cases that can be prosecuted,” he said.

Targeted operations in the area currently focus largely on drunk driving, particularly between 20:00 and midnight, but noise and reckless driving complaints require a different evidence-based approach.

Oliver said residents often submit blurry photographs or partial images of vehicles, which are not sufficient for enforcement.

“We need clear photographic or video evidence, preferably video, showing the offence and the vehicle’s registration. Undercover or unclear footage unfortunately can’t be used,” he said.

He added that while online posts may generate significant attention, they rarely translate into actionable cases.

“We had 220 unique views, but only one person actually reported it formally. Without reports, there’s no paper trail,” Oliver said.

The CPF is also encouraging car clubs and performance vehicle groups to play a proactive role.

“Responsible car clubs should publicly distance themselves from reckless behaviour that brings their names into disrepute. We’d like to see them working with the CPF, SAPS and Metro on campaigns that promote safe and responsible driving,” said Oliver.

How to report speeding, noise and reckless driving

Oliver stressed that reporting incidents correctly and following the process through is critical.

“The CPF has created an online reporting channel to support residents, but it does not replace reporting to SAPS or Durban Metro Police. It must be used together with the official channels so that a proper case can be built,” he said.

He added that reference numbers play a key role in holding authorities accountable.

“If complaints have fallen on deaf ears, those reference numbers allow us to escalate matters and ensure SAPS or Metro follow up. But residents must be willing to provide affidavits or witness statements when requested. Without that, prosecution cannot happen,” Oliver said.

To report negligent or reckless driving call Durban Metro Police on 031 361 0000.

To submit supporting information to the CPF visit https://dncpf.co.za/carform.

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