DEAR Editor,-
Congress of the People (COPE) urges greater police visibility and presence on the roads in holiday traffic conditions. As our national roads become extremely busy, motorists grow impatient and reckless and will take risks that endanger lives. This must not be tolerated.
COPE urges government to ensure that all road users observe and respect the rules and laws of the road. Our country loses hundreds of people every year through road accidents and the cost to the economy is considerable.
COPE would like traffic authorities to display contact details at vantage points to receive information and images from motorists who witness violations on the road. Technology now makes it possible to have eyes everywhere and to receive information instantaneously. Let us use this to the benefit of all road users. If all of us do our bit, numerous lives will be saved.
COPE requests that extensive roadblocks are set up to apprehend drivers who are drunk or under the influence of drugs. We call on the Minister of Transport to ensure that the roads are under 24 hour surveillance and law enforcement agencies must be ruthless with all those who are on the wrong side of the law.
Our earnest plea to all drivers is not to drink and drive and to remember that speed kills. Obey the rules and stay alive.
DENNIS BLOEM
COPE spokesperson
