JMPD to curb traffic chaos during Eskom’s rolling blackouts
Residents can report any traffic-related incidences to the JMPD traffic hotline on 080 872 3342 and any other emergencies to 011 375 5911.
THE City of Johannesburg Department of Public Safety requests residents’ patience and cooperation during Eskom’s rolling blackouts which have caused traffic mayhem.
In order to mitigate traffic congestion, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has intensified its traffic management operations by deploying more officers and traffic pointsmen in and around the City not only during peak hours, but also during the day to ease traffic congestion.
Blackouts in peak hour
The current stage four rolling blackouts, which commenced on March 16, left many traffic lights down, resulting in heavy traffic congestions. To make matter worse, some of the rolling blackouts are during peak hours where traffic flow is at its highest.
MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun said: “Eskom’s load-shedding or rolling blackouts have put unnecessary pressure on our already stretched metro policing capacity. As of the morning of March 18, we had deployed a total of 153 metro police officers and traffic pointsmen across the City to direct traffic. This deployment is set to increase as we receive more complaints in the coming days.”
JMPD crime prevention units within each region have increased patrols in order to deter any opportunistic crime, such as smash-and-grabs, which may occur due to the congested traffic. Motorists are urged to be more vigilant by ensuring their bags, cellphones and valuables are kept out of sight.
The City’s Emergency Management Services has also requested residents to be extra cautious when using candles and other flame-lit lighting devices which may cause fires when left unattended.
Sun said: “Residents must please ensure candles and other flame-lit lighting devices are secured properly and not left unattended. Parents are urged to take extra care of their children near open flames as these may cause injuries and serious fire accidents.”
Residents can report any traffic-related incidences to the JMPD traffic hotline on 080 872 3342 and any other emergencies to 011 375 5911.
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