Police focus on road safety for trolley pushers on R101

The Pretoria North SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit recently launched an important road safety campaign aimed at protecting trolley pushers along the R101 road.

The unit led the initiative, focusing on the safety of those who use trolleys to transport goods in and around Pretoria North, a common practice among individuals in the scrap metal trade.

The campaign, part of a broader community outreach efforts by Pretoria North SAPS, targeted second-hand goods dealers and scrap metal businesses along the R101.

Pretoria North SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Tumishang Moloto said these businesses often employ trolley pushers to transport goods like metal and recyclables, and many workers rely on trolleys as their primary means of transporting their materials to and from scrapyards.

He said these trolley pushers face serious risks when navigating busy roads as they are vulnerable to accidents and collisions with motor vehicles.

“During our visits to scrapyards such as Nobitory Scrap Metals, we engaged directly with trolley pushers to educate them about road safety.

“Our officers highlighted the importance of adhering to traffic rules while navigating busy roads like the R101, which sees a high volume of traffic daily,” said Moloto.

Moloto added that one of the key points was the necessity for trolley pushers to ensure their visibility on the roads.

The police advised trolley pushers to wear reflective clothing, which would allow them to easily seen by other road users, particularly at night or during poor weather conditions.

“This focus on visibility aims to reduce the number of accidents involving pedestrians, especially those who use trolleys to move heavy loads along the roadways.

“The campaign also encouraged trolley pushers to remain vigilant and mindful of their surroundings.”

The Pretoria North SAPS hopes that by promoting safety awareness, they can reduce the risks faced by trolley pushers and, in turn, decrease the number of road accidents involving pedestrians.

According to Moloto, the programme aims not only to promote road safety but also to build trust between the police and local communities.

“We also want to encourage compliance with the Second-Hand Goods Act.

“All community members must support the campaign and raise awareness of road safety issues affecting trolley pushers and other pedestrians.”

Also read: R101 squatters tell Tshwane they are there for ‘better economic opportunities’

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram