City of Joburg launches Buya Mthetho Hotline pilot project
BRAAMFONTEIN – Motorists and residents can now lay their reckless driving complaints through the city's 24-hour hotline on WhatsApp.
The City of Johannesburg has launched a new pilot project that hopes to tackle bad and reckless driving behaviour that has plagued the streets of Johannesburg.
MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun launched the Buya Mthetho Hotline pilot hotline on 27 March at the council of the chamber in Braamfontein.
Sun explained that the hotline was a platform where WhatsApp messages could be sent by motorists reporting reckless driving. People are advised to move to the side of the road to take the pictures or record the video of the incident.
Once this is done you can upload to the hotline, provide the location of such incidences and the information will remain anonymous, Sun added. If the reported issue is escalated for prosecution, the person who provided the information may need to testify in the court of law if it is required.
@MichaelSun168 explains how the Reckless Driving Hotline works. #JoburgRoadSafety #BuyaMthetho ^PS https://t.co/sJOFVyeiX0
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) March 27, 2019
The Reckless Driving Hotline pilot project will allow @JoburgMPD to be proactive in its public safety efforts. #BuyaMthetho #JoburgRoadSafety ^PS pic.twitter.com/9BjiKrCfN7
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) March 27, 2019
The information provided on the hotline of the reckless driving offences will be given to Metro police officers to deal with the matter.
The hotline runs 24 hours every day and if an offence is reported immediately, Sun said their control room will still escalate the matter to the Metro police.
Residents are encouraged to stop their vehicles and record, or use dashcams if they have them
We have had to consider many safety issues and legalities, we are urging residents not to break the law while using the hotline. @MichaelSun168 #JoburgRoadSafety #BuyaMthetho ^PS pic.twitter.com/VVtKF8A8Xx
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) March 27, 2019
This project is the first of it’s kind in the country according to Sun and they still need to work with the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the courts so that they have an improved process going forward.
Residents will be able to upload the footage onto the WhatsApp-based hotline whereafter @JoburgMPD will follow up and take the necessary actions. #BuyaMthetho #JoburgRoadSafety @HermanMashaba
@AsktheChiefJMPD @CoJPublicSafety ^PS— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) March 27, 2019
This system is for everyone not only motorists.The City will not allow motorists to break the rules of the road.The law clearly states that you are not allowed to use your cellphone while driving. #JoburgRoadSafety #BuyaMthetho@HermanMashaba
@AsktheChiefJMPD@CoJPublicSafety^PS pic.twitter.com/k2nUsGWdJe— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) March 27, 2019
When you see reckless driving behaviour: STOP, move to the side then record or take a picture. #JoburgRoadSafety #BuyaMthetho @HermanMashaba
@AsktheChiefJMPD @MichaelSun168 @CoJPublicSafety ^PS pic.twitter.com/yu0J19NlVo— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) March 27, 2019
The launch of this pilot project is aimed at improving driver behaviour and ensuring that road safety is enhanced for all, especially since reckless driving and driving under the influence has been at the top of the monthly transgressions. #BuyaMthetho #JoburgRoadSafety ^PS pic.twitter.com/UUMZHnQWrP
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) March 27, 2019
The reckless driving hotline number is 081 410 6338, Sun hopes that through this pilot project, they will be able to have a better design and implement a proper process to deal with video evidentiary complaints by the public and that offenders will be dealt with accordingly.
Take note of the Reckless Driving Hotline- 081 410 6338. #JoburgRoadSafety #BuyaMthetho ^PS
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) March 27, 2019
Related article:
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/229430/joburg-mayor-herman-mashaba-launch-reckless-driving-hotline/
