First quarter 2023 updates & meet our WID managers

Wynberg City Improvement District

2023 is well underway and as we embark on a year that promises to elevate our Wynberg Improvement District to new levels, we’d like to introduce you to our core team and provide some essential reminders and updates from WID and the City.

As always, our focus remains on developing a safe, accessible and welcoming urban ecosystem for all workers, visitors and community members in our district. We are firmly committed to supporting the property and business owners in our locality, and our aim is to build upon last year’s successes by strengthening and enhancing our services.

Meet our Wynberg Improvement District managers!

Meet our Wynberg Improvement District managers! Senior manager Deon Manuel (left) and manager De Wet Beck (right) are committed to making Wynberg better for our community, working tirelessly in their key roles as our City Improvement District managers.
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Have your say! Proposed permanent road closures and bus stop locations in Wynberg

PROPOSED PERMANENT ROAD CLOSURES AND BUS STOP LOCATIONS IN WYNBERG

Some roads in Wynberg are proposed for full or partial closure to vehicular traffic to accommodate the Wynberg road couplet scheme previously approved by Council.

The road couplet will use Brodie and Main Roads to create a set of parallel one-way streets that will double the road capacity for general traffic, cater for future MyCiTi services and help revitalise the Wynberg central business district.

The approved concept design of trunk routes for Phase 2A of MyCiTi’s bus service will enable safe, quality, rapid and direct public transport linking Wynberg with Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha and Claremont.

As part of the detail design, several roads are now proposed for full or partial closure in order to accommodate the road couplet.

Join us at a public information day listed below or visit www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay to find out more and comment from 20 March to 5 May 2023.

Date: 18 April 2023
Venue: Wittebome Civic Centre, Wynberg
Time: 14:00 – 19:00

Date: 20 April 2023
Venue: Alphen Centre, Constantia
Time: 14:00 – 19:00

Date: 20 April 2023
Venue: Alphen Centre, Constantia
Time: 14:00 – 19:00

View map and leaflet

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Proposed major revamp of Wynberg public transport interchange

major revamp of Wynberg public transport interchange

The City of Cape Town The City of Cape Town has developed a concept plan for the major refurbishment of the Wynberg public transport interchange (PTI). The plan is now available for public comment until 9 December 2022.

The current facility, situated in the vicinity of the Wynberg railway station, is rundown and stretched way beyond its capacity with nearly 48 000 commuters, 1 500 minibus-taxis and GABS buses making use of the PTI on a daily basis.

‘The proposed concept plan gives the public an idea of how the City intends to upgrade the PTI with two new minibus-taxi facilities, two MyCiTi stations, walking and cycling lanes, and upgrades to surrounding roads to improve traffic flow. We intend to invest a substantial amount in the upgrade which will have an immediate impact on the Wynberg CBD and surrounding neighbourhood. This will spur much needed rejuvenation in conjunction with the provision of world-class public transport facilities,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.

major revamp of Wynberg public transport interchange
major revamp of Wynberg public transport interchange
Artist impressions of what the Wynberg public transport interchange could look like, once the construction has been completed. The map indicates the proposed new locations and layout of the public transport services, and surrounding streets.

The concept design for the refurbished PTI proposes two minibus-taxi facilities:

  • The new and upgraded facilities will be located to the north and east of the Wynberg railway station
  • A new facility with two levels, to be located between Brisbane Road and Morom Road, bordering Wetton and Broad Roads. The ground level of the facility will be for minibus-taxis serving the Cape Town CBD and the upper level will be for minibus-taxis serving the metro-south east
  • An upgraded single level facility, located between Ottery Road and the railway line, will be for minibus-taxis serving destinations in Grassy Park and the South
  • Two new stations for the future MyCiTi service, located along Station Road, and a realigned Sussex Road, will be constructed
  • Drop-off and pick-up points for GABS buses will be provided

‘We want to create a Wynberg PTI that is modern, functional, efficient, convenient, safe, dignified and clean and where commuters can easily transfer between the different modes of transport, from passenger rail to minibus-taxis, GABS, and the MyCiTi service.

‘The current PTI is in a poor state, partly because of a lack of investment in prior years, and also because the facility is not nearly big enough to accommodate all of the commuters and operators using this space. The surrounding transport infrastructure – these are the roads and walkways – is old, and insufficient for the traffic volume, be it for pedestrians, or vehicles.

‘The proposed concept design aims to address all of these challenges, while at the same time making provision for the roll-out of the MyCiTi service to Wynberg within the next few years. I encourage residents, commuters, operators and business owners to submit their comments on the proposal and to join our effort in giving this part of Wynberg a significant capital injection,’ said Councillor Quintas.

Facts about the proposed refurbishment of the Wynberg PTI:

  • The new and upgraded facilities will be located to the north and east of the Wynberg railway station
  • Will cover an area of approximately 25 000m², with additional bus and walking and cycling lanes, road upgrades, hard and soft landscaping
  • Will add sufficient capacity to accommodate the current and projected demands for public transport users and operators
  • Will include holding areas for minibus-taxis between peak-hour periods
  • Will include offices, washing facilities, ablutions, security and cleaning services for the minibus-taxi operators
  • Will include ablution facilities and universally accessible walkways and ramps for commuters, covered loading lanes and waiting areas
  • Will ensure commuters can seamlessly and conveniently transfer between passenger rail, minibus-taxis, GABS, and the MyCiTi bus service
  • Will improve general safety and security through design elements, and additional lighting
  • Will include facilities for traders on the ground floor and first levels to coincide with pedestrian movement – thus, having the traders where the most visitors are. A trading plan will be developed by Economic Development, in conjunction with the local traders
  • Will include a MyCiTi station and holding bays on both the east and west side of the Wynberg railway station and Prasa railway tracks
  • Will include holding and loading bays for GABS

Proposed upgrades to surrounding roads:

  • The vehicle underpass under the railway tracks and its access ramps will be turned into a pedestrian only-zone
  • The existing pedestrian underpass under the railway tracks to the south of the railway station will be upgraded
  • Maynard Road between Main and Station Roads will be pedestrian friendly
  • The link between Morom and Station Roads will be closed at Church Street
  • Sussex Road, past the existing eastern taxi facility, will be realigned to allow more space for the new eastern minibus-taxi facility
  • The northern end of Sussex Road will be realigned into Bexhill Road to facilitate access to the Wynberg Mosque
  • The realigned intersection of Sussex and Ottery Roads will be signalised
  • The intersection of Morom and Wetton Roads may be signalised, pending further investigations
  • A west-to-north right-turn lane will be added to Broad Road at the Broad and Brisbane Roads intersection
  • The realigned Sussex Road will be a one-way southbound, reserved for buses
  • Maynard Road, currently a one-way westbound, will be converted to a one-way eastbound
  • Church Street, between Main Road and Station Road, currently a one-way eastbound, will be converted to a one-way westbound

Currently, due to the capacity constraints, minibus-taxis are obstructing walkways. However, the new PTI will provide holding facilities and the whole area will be turned into a pedestrian-friendly environment with universally accessible walkways with design elements to improve safety and security, and additional lighting.

The proposed one-way road conversions, and upgraded intersections will assist with traffic flow, and smooth the road-based public transport services to ensure efficient operations.

‘The minibus-taxi operators will greatly benefit. Each operator from the West-North; West-South; and East, will have their own dedicated operations area, with their own facilities and dedicated entrance and exit routes. There will be sufficient space for ranking, drop-and-go, and parking between peaks. This over and above facilities to meet, rest, and so forth. I encourage the minibus-taxi industry and operators to keep on engaging with us about the proposed plan. It is our intention to provide new facilities that will bring order and flow to minibus-taxi operations, which will save operators and commuters time and money.

‘Furthermore, the investment will have a positive impact on local businesses, and all other visitors using the roads or pedestrianised areas. As this rejuvenation expands, the whole of Wynberg sets to benefit, inclusive of local residents and property owners. I want to assure all that this concept design is not final. We will consider all comments and proposals that we receive from stakeholders and residents, and interested and affected parties in coming weeks, and use this in finalising the detailed design,’ said Councillor Quintas.

If all goes as planned, the detailed design should be concluded by the end of 2023.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office

Read more on capetown.gov.za

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Wynberg Improvement District 2022 roundup & safety tips for the holiday season

Wynberg Improvement District

2022 has been a year for celebrating successes for Wynberg Improvement District and tackling new and ongoing challenges. We renew our commitment to providing top-up services to the City of Cape Town with a special focus on public safety, urban cleaning and management, continuing to lead the charge in the continual improvement of Wynberg as a residential and business area.

As we round up 2022 following our recent AGM held in November, we recap on the year’s work, successes and statistics.

Wynberg Improvement District
Wynberg Improvement District
Wynberg Improvement District
Wynberg Improvement District
Wynberg Improvement District
Wynberg Improvement District 2022
Wynberg Improvement District 2022
Wynberg Improvement District 2022
Wynberg Improvement District

Wynberg Improvement District’s achievements of the last year are a testament to the team’s commitment, experience and increased on-the-ground presence  –  led by the capable hands of Geocentric, who have been working with city improvement district initiatives since 2001 and responsible for a total of thirteen of Cape Town’s improvement districts from Salt River through to Strand, Tyger Valley and Wynberg.

“The rollercoasting aftermath of Covid lockdowns steadily calmed down in 2022, yet conditions remained difficult as significant increases in the cost of living and the continuous challenges of load-shedding remained at the forefront,” says Gene Lohrentz, director of Geocentric.

“In the face of these new challenges, the Wynberg Improvement District board and management team have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing high-quality top-up services in Wynberg. Embracing and implementing adaptability into our vision now seems entrenched in our day-to-day operations as well as our strategic thinking.”

2022 Wynberg Improvement District stats

Wynberg Improvement District 2022 stats Public Safety
Wynberg Improvement District 2022 stats - Urban Cleaning & management

Stay safe this festive season

From increased fire hazards in Cape Town to countrywide holiday travel to seasonal crime spikes, there are many reasons to up our vigilance these summer months and to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

Home and Work Checklist for Fire Safety

  • Ember-proofing any area, requires the removal of all flammable plants up to 7m from a building, as well as overhanging branches. Checking and cleaning gutters and roofing for debris is important too. 
  • Always remember, your safety is first and if you are not properly trained, call for assistance. 
  • Make sure that all your insurance documents and other important documentation are backed up securely to the cloud.
  • Assign tasks to staff and run fire drills so that everyone is prepared in an emergency.
  • If you need to stay and help fight fires, cover your head, nose and mouth and protect your eyes with goggles. Wear good shoes and gloves.
  • If you have access to water, wet the roof and gutters to stop hot ash from burning the roof.
  • Keep grass cut as short as possible as it helps slow the fire.
  • Keep a hose pipe rolled up and ready.
  • Keep fire extinguishers around that are regularly maintained and train your staff on how to use them safely and correctly.

Safety Tips To Prevent Property Crime

  • Ensure your property can be secured properly. This includes checking all locks, gates, doors, windows and roller shutters.
  • Ensure there are no gaps in your fence or perimeter wall or unintentional points of access to your business or home that may need additional security.
  • Make sure all bushes or trees close to your walls, gates and fences are trimmed, to avoid the possibility of intruders hiding or using them to access your property.
  • Adequate lighting around the perimeter of your property acts as a good deterrent
  • Connecting outdoor lights to timers and motion sensors act as an additional deterrent.
  • Have an alarm installed by a reputable security company with armed response.
  • The key to effective security lies in being able to detect a potential intruder before they gain access. Adding detection beams and sensors of electrical fences vastly contributes to property security
  • Ensure your alarm is in working order. Business and property owners should test their alarms at least once a month and should the system require servicing this should be arranged as early as possible.
  • Please ensure that all the key holder information is available and ensure that key holders are available and able to come out to the property should the alarm activate, and checking be required.
  • Don’t leave ladders, spades or tools outside as these can be excellent break-in tools.
  • Ensure that remote controls for automatic gates and garage doors are not left lying around.
  • Always be alert to vehicles or persons following you into your entrance or the parking area.

Road safety tips

  • Check your vehicle before travelling long distances  –  including tyre tread and pressure, oil and water, wind-screen wipers, headlights and brakelights and ensure your spare tyre, jack and emergency warning triangle are all intact and stored in your vehicle
  • Leave early to be prepared for road congestion during busy periods
  • Take breaks to avoid road fatigue which can cause accidents
  • Be aware of pedestrians particularly when passing broken down vehicles or public transport
  • Never drink and drive

Read more

Contact details

As the year draws to a close we remind you once again of our important contact details to report emergencies and incidents.

For Public Safety Emergencies contact our 24-hour control room

  • 021 565 0900 – Geocentric Control Room 

Emergency numbers

  • 10111 – SAPS (South African Police Services)
  • 107 – City of Cape Town Disaster Management

City Of Cape Town

  • General Enquiries: 0860 103 089 – Sms 31220 (Electricity)
  • Cable Theft: 0800 222 771
  • Roads And Storm Water: 0800 656 463 – Sms 31373
  • Metro Police & Traffic: 0860 765 423

Visit our Contact page for more details and  capetown.gov.za for more City of Cape Town Emergency Numbers.

Join our WhatsApp Community Group

If you are curious about the work we do and want to stay up to date with the latest developments in your improvement district, you will be able to join our WID Business WhatsApp group by:

• Sending a WhatsApp message to 081 869 8911

• You will need to include your Name and Surname or the name of your business

• You will need to include your street address which should be within the boundary of the Wynberg Improvement District

• We will add you to the Wynberg Improvement District Community Group

Rules and regulations for communicating will be stipulated in the group.

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Annual General Meeting 2022

Please follow the links below to download the relevant documentation

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Update on our results for 2022!

In the last few months, we’ve been working hard on our most important goals all to make our community a safe, rich urban environment where our community can thrive. 

Here is what we have achieved so far: 

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Illegal Dumping: What It Is and How to Stop It

Did you know? That annually over 180 000 tons of waste are cleared from illegal dumping hot spots! That costs the city, and you as the taxpayer, a staggering R350 million a year just in clean-up. In other words, cleaning illegal dumping costs 20 times more than collecting waste from wheelie bins. That is why to create a clean, healthy and safe community we take our work tackling illegal dumping very seriously. 

“Illegal dumping is a severe problem that puts our community at risk of injury and illness and pollutes our ecosystem. In addition, illegal dumpsites can serve as magnets for other criminal activities,” says Gene Lohrentz, CEO of the urban management company, Geocentric. 

Here is what we have learnt when it comes to illegal dumping. 

What is illegal dumping?

Illegal dumping is the disposal of unwanted materials in inappropriate places. Be it household rubbish, building waste or industrial debris, improper disposal has disastrous effects on the environment, economy and community.

Our teams are dedicated to cleaning our community and have cleaned thousands of cases of illegal dumping in the last year!

Protecting Property Values

Our daily work with the City of Cape Town’s (COCT) Solid Waste By-law Enforcement Unit protects our district from plummeting property values. By cleaning, we keep our community member’s properties safe by preventing pest issues, blocked storm drains and plastic pollution.  

Clean streets don’t just look great, they also improve the value of properties. The study ‘Value of cleaner neighbourhoods’ found that residents will pay up to 57% more to live in a clean neighbourhood. By being part of the solution business owners can help protect and even increase the market value of their property and make their establishments more inviting for customers. 

Protecting Public Health 

Vermin are attracted to dump sites making these sites sources of disease and infection. Anyone near a dump site risks getting sick both from the hazardous materials dumped and from the diseases spread by rats. These diseases aren’t only formidable – they’re often fatal. Rat urine is responsible for diseases like Leptospirosis ( causing kidney and liver damage) and Hantavirus, a debilitating viral bronchial disease. Rats also gnaw at cables, transformers and electrics causing expensive damage to businesses.

By cleaning up this waste before it attracts vermin, we put a stop to these health hazards before they happen. 

Preventing Floods 

Water sustains life, but it can also cause widespread destruction, as we saw during the recent flooding in KwaZulu-Natal. As our most precious and essential resource we must treasure it – for if we don’t, we will suffer. 

Illegal dumping is a terrifying threat to the water management of our district. When it rains, excess litter is swept into drains and sewers, blocking them and causing trash flash floods. Flooding, and the infrastructure damage it causes, puts immense pressure on emergency services when they are needed most.

To make sure our city can handle the rain we collect all dumping regularly and clean the stormwater drains as part of our winter preparedness programme. 

Pulverizing Plastic Pollution

A large percentage of waste illegally dumped is plastic. We are well aware that its consequences are far-reaching, but we are tackling this challenge too. When possible, we sort the waste and recycle what we can instead of sending it all to a landfill. By sorting recyclables, we help reduce the waste in our waterways and create employment opportunities. 

We understand it’s almost impossible to recycle all waste. However, we also know that big things have small beginnings. We all make small changes to bring about positive collective transformation.  Where possible, we must all take the opportunity to recycle.

How You Can Help Combat Illegal Dumping?

The COCT provides the tools necessary to crack down on illegal dumping and needs citizens to get involved. By reporting dumping you help the City make improvements and encourage others to do the same. Plus, it’s an easy way to beautify your neighbourhood and help keep it safe.

Although the issue is vast, if we all play our part together, we can create a greener, cleaner future for ourselves and future generations.

If you spot something, say something!

To report illegal dumping in your community:

  • Call 0860 103 089 or email solidwaste.bylaw@capetown.gov.za.  
  • If you have the culprit’s vehicle registration number and/or can identify him/her you can shortcut the process and call 021 400 6157 

Contact details: 

If you have any safety concerns to report, please contact one of the following numbers:

·       10111 – SAPS (South African Police Services)

·        107 – City of Cape Town Disaster Management

·        021 565 0900 – Geocentric Control Room 

 

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Blown Away – How we are preparing to weather the Cape of Storms

Cape Town winter storm

The saying goes that ‘Great floods flow from simple sources’ and as we prepare for the harshness of the howling gales and pelting rain that make up Cape Town storms, we couldn’t agree more. Many of us are more conscious of the pivotal role that winter preparation plays in city management and what the lack of it can look like as demonstrated in the aftermath of the 2022 KZN floods. 

“A combination of terrain challenges, insufficient or ill-maintained infrastructure and increased population density are the main contributors to flooding problems,” says Gene Lohrentz, CEO of urban management company Geocentric. 

Here is how we are making sure we are ready to weather the storm: 

Creating a clean eco and economically friendly environment: 

Did you know that according to the Waste 2020 Market Intelligence Report, the Western Cape created between 138 278 and 162 138 tonnes of plastic waste in 2019? This much plastic equates to an estimated market value of between R473.8 and R631.7 million that is simply not being tapped into because of the manpower and infrastructure required to sort it at scale. 

We help turn our trash into cash and create additional value out of waste products by bridging the gap between the litter on the street and the recycling plant. Cleaning and sorting as we go into our appropriate wheelie bins to be recycled directly from the drains and gutters of our streets.  

But it is not only our drains. We also sort the content of the public litter bins.  We service these bins daily and the plastic bottles, cups and cans are now removed and recycled where possible, instead of sending everything to a landfill.

New Weather Stations: 

2022 marks the final rollout of our weather stations. These are vital in monitoring rainfall intensity, giving us information on potential flood areas so that we can preempt pumping them. In our busy districts, the weather also impacts how much accident monitoring we do and helps us ensure we have enough staff to keep infrastructure damage to a minimum and avoid road blockages and closures.   

Taking an upstream approach to ocean conservation 

As part of our winter preparedness programme, we haul out all sorts of items from our waterways. This allows heavy rains to safely run along the contours of the land, into the rivers and eventually the sea.

We consistently intervene to keep our drainage system healthy and prevent waste from entering our stormwater runoff systems by methodically cleaning our drain catch pits and drain inlets.  Just before winter, we ramp this service up as part of our winter preparedness programme. 

Importantly this cleaning means heavy rain runs away from buildings and infrastructure. Preventing damage as much of the cost of flooding is due to the impact that items carried by the water have.

So what happens to all the litter we remove? 

You guessed it, most of the litter removed is plastic bottles, glass bottles and cans which are separated and earmarked for recycling. 

Trimming the Trees 

Every month we carefully trim the trees in our area and report major tree issues to the Recreation and Parks Department and relevant property owners. By professionally caring for our trees before our wind direction changes we prevent any dead, diseased or damaged branches from falling onto people, cars,  electric fences, vehicles, and properties. It also serves to help clear any branches that may be blocking lights, alarm beams and security cameras to make sure criminal activity is kept to a minimum. 

Here is what you can do to help us and yourself this winter 

  • Clear the clutter from your gutter so the water can run off to a stormwater drain safely. 
  • If you do not have additional water tanks ensure your water is draining to stormwater and not sewage drains. To direct rainwater into the sewage system is illegal and can land you with a heavy fine. 
  • The maintenance of security cameras is just as important as installing them. Dust carried by our winds builds up on the lenses turning into the mud with the first rain and making any evidence not admissible in court so it is best to clean them before the rains start.

While no individual raindrop ever considers itself responsible for the flood we all have a responsibility to pull our weight. Our work forms an essential preventative measure that results in environmentally responsible and sustainable prevention of weather-related challenges such as traffic congestion, property damage, and power outages. 

If you notice any weather-related issues please communicate to our Community WhatsApp Group below. 

If you have any concerns to report, please contact one of the following numbers:

10111 – SAPS (South African Police Services)

107 – City of Cape Town Disaster Management

021 565 0900 – Geocentric Control Room

0800 872 201 – Give Dignity Initiative 

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Request for Proposal – Wynberg Improvement District (WID) CCTV Extension Project

The Board of the WID has taken the initiative to extend the CCTV camera network of the WID.  The proposed intervention will focus on supporting the current public safety and urban management activities thereby contributing to securing the area and driving incidents of crime down.

The project will focus on the implementation of additional Static, PTZ, and LPR cameras.

The detailed Request for Proposal document can be found here.

All proposals are to be forwarded to the Board of the WID by no later than 16:00 on Friday 13 May 2022. All enquiries and final proposals can be forwarded via email to rfp@wynbergid.co.za  Hard copy submissions are not required. No late submissions will be accepted. Please do not include company registration documents etc.

A site visit is scheduled for Thursday 5 May 2022 from 11:00 to 14:00.  The meeting point is at the intersection of Chruch Street and Main Road at the entrance to Maynard Mall.

Once the Board has evaluated all the proposals, a decision will be made on the successful service provider.  The decision of the Board is final and no further correspondence regarding the proposal will be entered into once the successful service provider has been appointed. The Board is under no obligation to qualify its decisions to any of the applicants.

All costs related to the submission of this proposal must be borne by the relevant applicants/companies/service providers and they shall have no claim for cost recovery to the Board and or its representatives whatsoever.

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Staying Egg-xtra safe on the roads this Easter

As we approach the Easter weekend many families are looking forward to much needed time spent bonding over easter egg hunts and delicious lunches. However, as we all travel to our destinations, the days leading up to Easter weekend see many more motorists driving further in the first rains of our wet season.

As we set off in these conditions, we urge all motorists to take extreme caution and increase their awareness of the common causes of accidents and other road-users safety.

Here are our top tips for travelling safely this Easter weekend.

Check your vehicle.  

Many accidents happen due to vehicles not reacting to a driver’s delayed response If you are travelling in heavy rain, use the brightest setting for your head and tail lights to improve visibility. Ensure that your wiper blades are in good condition as spray from other vehicles reduces visibility considerably so take extra care when overtaking or being overtaken. Braking is significantly impacted by the tread on your tyres so make sure you have sufficient tread. If you experience car trouble, turn on your hazard lights as bright as you can, set up additional warning signs if you have them in your car and pull off the road. Remain seated inside the car especially at night, as glare from your hazards may make it difficult for oncoming traffic to see you. 

For more information on how to check your vehicle watch the Arrive Alice video below 

Leave early and take breaks. 

Due to the increasing amount of vehicles on the road drivers should leave earlier and be prepared for delays on the roads during poor weather conditions. This will help you avoid any abrupt acceleration, excessive speed and sudden steering movements which are the main culprits of accidents. Additionally, adjust your speed and following distance – five to seven seconds to break –  to ensure that you can stop safely.

Drivers’ fatigue – caused by long-distance driving after a long day at work or a late night – is also a major contributor to fatal accidents. Emotional stress, lack of sleep, boredom and sun glare all cause fatigue so make sure to get a good seven hours of sleep before you travel. Additionally, for most of us, our sleep-wake cycle is set to be resting between 2 am and 6 am so try not to travel in these low light early hours of the morning. 

If you are tired, stop and have a rest. Signs that you are too tired to drive include your eyes shutting, daydreaming, swerving, crankiness, restlessness and frequent yawning or eye rubbing. 

Remain aware of other road users. 

Last year, approximately 35% of the people who died on the roads over the Easter long weekend were pedestrians – making them the group most affected by accidents. Please remain aware of the sides of the road, particularly when travelling between towns as many people hitchhike to see their families. In areas of particular interest, there will also be signs alerting you to remain vigilant. Once you have spotted a pedestrian, slow down and give them lots of space until you have passed them fully as those who have consumed alcohol are likely to make dangerous decisions. If you can, plan to avoid driving in low light conditions as these combined with bad weather make other road users far more difficult to see. 

Road accident photo created by rawpixel.com – www.freepik.com

Do not drink and drive – at all. 

According to the new amendments in the National Road Traffic Act, anyone caught with blood that has an alcohol content of more than 0.05% will be arrested, charged with Driving Under the Influence of Liquor and held in custody until they can post bail if bail is not denied. Depending on your record, and the circumstances surrounding your arrest, you face the loss of your driver’s licence, a criminal record, a minimum fine of R2 000, a two-year prison sentence, or all of the above. 

To put 0.05% into perspective any more than 350ml of beer, or a single tot of Brandy puts you over the limit with these levels of alcohol remaining in your system for up to eight hours after consumption. 

Be aware of the signs of other drivers who may be drunk around you, such as weaving between lanes, accelerating and braking erratically or displaying delayed responses. If you think another driver is intoxicated, put more distance between yourselves and them as quickly and safely as you can. Please also report it by contacting the City’s Law Enforcement, Traffic and Coordination Department by calling 021 480 7700 or the National Traffic Call Centre on 086 140 0800.

By making sure we have road safe vehicles, taking our time getting where we are going, respecting the pedestrians on our roads and never getting on the roads intoxicated we ensure that all of us can enjoy safer roads this Easter. 

Headlines From The City

City’s budget will do more to clean up our Mother City

City serious about diverting organic waste from landfills

Comment on the City’s draft Integrated Development Plan 2022 – 2027

Featured image credits : <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/photos/green-road’>Green road photo created by 4045 – www.freepik.com</a>

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