The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate has raised concerns over the number of pedestrian-related accidents recorded in recent days. Over the past weekend, 107 motor vehicle accidents were reported on City roads, 40 of which involved pedestrians.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says these statistics are a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge that is road safety in the City, and pedestrian safety in particular.
“Our enforcement staff conduct pedestrian awareness sessions on a daily basis, and we even issue fines where pedestrians are found in contravention of the relevant legislation. But ultimately, it is a shared responsibility and one where road users have to be mindful of their actions and the impact it has on those around them,” said Smith
Over the past week, City Traffic Officers arrested 74 suspects on the roads. A total of 65 were for drunk driving, four for reckless and negligent driving and five on other charges. Officers also executed 2,152 warrants, impounded 110 public transport vehicles and issued 61,437 fines.
On the enforcement front, Metro Police officers recovered eight hijacked or stolen vehicles during weekly patrols, and arrested a suspect for a stolen trailer and boat in Hout Bay on Sunday.
At the same time, the Public Emergency Communication Centre ( PECC) recorded 3,159 calls for assistance over the past weekend.
These included 17 weather-related calls due to the damaging wind that persisted for large parts of the weekend, compared to just one such call the weekend prior; 178 physical assault related incidents and 77 domestic violence cases.
“The public is reminded to report incidents and emergencies or any suspicious and/or criminal activities to the PECC on 021 480 7700 or logging by-law and traffic related complaints using the Safety and Security feature on the City App.”
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