The City of Cape Town expects the roads in and out of the city to once again be very busy during this festive season as many visitors – local and international – journey to the mother city for their holiday.
To ensure that holiday-makers have a safe trip, City of Cape Town Traffic Services are conducting free basic vehicle safety checks at the following traffic centres: Bellville, Kuils River, Brackenfell, Hillstar, Goodwood and Durbanville, between 10:00 and 14:00 each working day from 26 November to 14 December 2012.
Traffic Services will also launch ‘Operation Exodus’ aimed at clamping down on unsafe vehicles leaving the city, with a particular focus on targeting long-distance public transport operators. A strong emphasis will be placed on the enforcement of public transport vehicles over the season, with the aim of reducing the accident rate.
Various public transport interchanges, including Joe Gqabi, Bellville/Parc Du Cap, Mfuleni, Langa, Dunoon, Cape Town Station, the R27 and Epping will be manned by traffic officers. Vehicle check points and speed checks will be set up in the vicinity of the interchanges.
Traffic Services will also be attending to a number of special events over the Festive Season including the traditional Minstrel events, as well as increased traffic deployment around all of the beaches within the city.
Road safety tips:
- It is important to be courteous, obey the rules of the road and treat other drivers as you would like to be treated in return
- Do not drive in a state that could compromise your focus: don’t drink and drive and make sure you are well rested if you are embarking on a long distance journey. You can expect no sympathy from Traffic Services if you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Know your route, so that you are aware of the roads and turnoffs that you need to take. If you miss your turnoff, continue until the next turnoff rather than swerving at the last minute or making a dangerous U-turn – something which has already led to many fatal accidents
- Stay alert while you drive: switch on the radio or talk to your passengers.
- Cellphones: do not text and drive. Use a hands-free kit. It could save your life If you are caught, your phone will be confiscated
- Buckle up. Secure toddlers in baby or child seats and never leave a child or pet alone in a car
- Very importantly, ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy
The dedicated team of officers from the City of Cape Town’s Traffic Services are ready to do their utmost to ensure a safe festive season for all road users. Please give them your full cooperation.
