Human element will ensure success

NEWS that the City of uMhlathuze is in the process of procuring mobile robot monitoring cameras and installing hi-tech on-board recording systems for its fleet of vehicles has been roundly welcomed.

Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo rightly expressed the view: ‘It is high time that the city advances to state-of-the-art technology in fighting crime and traffic offences’.

Law-abiding citizens are sick and tired of having to share the roads with drivers who have no regard for traffic rules and the safety of life.

The worst part of it is a mindset of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ now prevails.

People who years ago would never dream of jumping a red light or stop sign now do just as the rest are doing.

There is a reason for this. Quite simply, it is a question of risk versus reward (or punishment).

Quite frankly, there is very little visible law enforcement on our roads.

It would be a rare occasion indeed to see someone being stopped for failing to stop after the robot turns red.

The same is true for many other moving violations, such as high speed weaving in and out of traffic and disregard for lane markings.

For that matter, when last have we seen roadside ‘speed traps’ in operation?

There is a distinct warning inherent in these observations: any system, however sophisticated it may be, is only as good as those who operate it.

It is the human element that guarantees success or leads to failure.

The new system requires the highest calibre of well-trained, motivated officers, especially as we move towards metro police status.

There is no point having the ‘smart cars’ if there are not enough smart members to man them.

And to be effective in a meaningful way, they would need to be out there on the roads, mingling with the traffic, patrolling the highways.

That having been said, we reiterate the fact this is a positive move.

It is costly, but if it leads to safer roads and positive behavioural changes on the part of drivers, it is more than worth the money.