Arrive Alive campaign launched

Transport, Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana emphasised the fact that the department means business this Festive Season as it cannot afford to continue losing many lives on the roads during special periods.
Mokaba-Phukwana addressed roleplayers during the launch of the Arrive Alive campaign at Mantsole Weighbridge on the N1 last Friday. “Not only is the pain and suffering resultant from road carnages immeasurable for victims and their families, but cost to the tax payer is around R56 billion per year. This money can be used elsewhere to deliver services aimed at improving lives of South Africans,” she said.
She added that people should continue to strive to increase respect for human life and to treat road carnage with the seriousness it deserves. “More than 90% of deaths on the roads follow a traffic violation. This is real crime and communities and individuals must take responsibility for their behaviour and the behaviour of their families and friends in order for us to have a successful reduction in deaths.”
She warned that the department has mapped the routes, sharpened their strategies and oiled their battle plan. She cited that the department is ready to welcome all visitors to the province more than ever before and significantly geared to save lives on the roads.
Throughout the Festive Season traffic officials and law enforcers will focus on driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, public transport, pedestrian management and overloading.
‘We are clear about our policy choices and priorities especially in areas where improved performance is required. Our objectives is to reduce critical offence rates that lead to crashes, reduce crashes, fatalities and serious injuries, inculcate safe road user behaviour, create heightened awareness, increase detection and prosecution and improve the image of the enforcement fraternity,” Mokaba-Phukwana said.
Police in the province also intensified their operations to clamp down on criminals. Members of several units entered the Central Business District on Friday where several arrests were made. See story elsewhere.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Ronel Otto emphasised the readiness of Police over the Festive Season. “The men and women in blue will be deployed on major routes as well as within residential and business areas. Criminals can be assured of a zero tolerance attitude by officers. Police will also maintain high visibility throughout the Festive Season,” Otto said.
Department of Health Spokesperson Macks Lesufi said all medical services are ready to handle any situation including disasters. “The Emergency Medical Services (EMS), clinics and hospitals are geared for the Festive Season. Our staff are dedicated to assist in a professional manner wherever necessary,” Lesufi said.

Story: RC Myburgh
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Photo: Transport, Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana.