The Tshwane metro police warns Tshwane residents that pedestrians may not cross a freeway, as doing this poses dangers to both motorists and pedestrians, and is illegal.

This follows after the TMPD Pedestrian Unit arrested five pedestrians for crossing the N4 and N1 freeways on October 7.

According to TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba, 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 said 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.”

Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson Simon Zwane confirmed 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 said a pedestrian crossing a freeway is not allowed. A person who is found crossing the freeway can be arrested, taken to the police station and given a fine.

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

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

As a pedestrian, you should always cross at intersections or at pedestrian bridges and crossings where drivers expect to find pedestrians. When crossing, walk directly across the street. Do not walk diagonally. The shorter the distances crossed, the less times you are at risk of danger.

Cross only when it is safe to do so, and keep looking in both directions and listen if there is any oncoming traffic.

At a pedestrian traffic light, wait until the little green man appears. Then look right, left and right again before crossing. Look out for impatient motorists.

Try not to walk on the road. By walking on the road, you will be putting yourself at risk of being knocked down by fast-moving vehicles. If you have to walk on the road, always walk on the right-hand side as close to the edge as possible, facing oncoming traffic.

Avoid walking or crossing the freeway because vehicles travel at very high speeds.

Wear light coloured clothing at night to increase your visibility to motorists.

Motorists must look out for unsteady or staggering pedestrians, who might be under the influence of alcohol.

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