End of the road for speedsters
Application has been made for an increase in the number of speed recording camera placements
THE days of drivers speeding through the city are numbered as a massive blitz begins.
Application has been made for an increase in the number of speed recording camera placements.
Noting with concern the general disdain for speed limits, City of uMhlathuze spokesperson, Mdu Ncalane said reckless speeding is ‘one form of cancer that is eating active people’ on a daily basis.
‘In most cases, it’s young people with flashy cars who find themselves dying at an age when they have just finished tertiary education and are entering into the working community.
‘The worst case scenario is where people die in numbers through modes of public transport, namely people going to or coming from work, leaving families helpless as their breadwinners are no more.’
According to Ncalane, there are a number of routes that have been approved by the KZN Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) at which these cameras are authorised for use. ‘A number of traffic surveys, accidents stats, road designs, proximity to schools, hospitals and public complaints were taken into consideration when the application was made to the office of the DPP.
‘We have approved routes along the R34, North Central Arterial, N2, etc,’ said Ncalane.
Responding to the ZO’s inquiries via email National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Natasha Kara, confirmed that an application was made by the City of uMhlathuze and approved by the DPP in March 2013.
Ncalane said the Municipality contracted the services of Traffic Management Technologies Services and Supplies via a competitive tender process.
Ncalane emphasised that TMT Service and Supplies have been contracted to only provide technical and admin support and would in no way be involved in the issuing of fines.
‘If there is an approved road block for example, the mobile traffic station which will be set up for the printing of fines, paper work and so forth, will be supplied by TMT Services and Supplies.
‘However, the Assistant Clerk of the Court is in charge of the actual printing of the summons at this mobile traffic station.
‘Enforcement and monitoring of the cameras will be solely undertaken by trained traffic officers, whereas the contractor will only provide technical support by means of the maintenance of these cameras.’ Ncalane said while there are currently four mobile speed cameras for uMhlathuze Traffic, the contract between TMT Services and Supplies and the City stipulates that more cameras may be supplied if and when required.
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