I commend Provincial Traffic Services for their continued efforts to stop Western Cape roads from being used to transport illegal substances.
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MEDIA STATEMENT BY MINISTER ROBIN CARLISLE
The Western Cape Provincial Road Traffic Bill has been published in the Provincial gazette and is open for public comment till 20 September 2012. I also encourage members of the public to make written submissions of their proposed regulations to the Department of Transport and Public Works.
The Act, in terms of section 8, gives the Minister the power to make regulations governing road safety matters, a critical weapon in the on-going battle against the carnage on the roads.
Section 8 (1) reads, “the Minister may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act or the National Road Traffic Act, in respect of –
(b) any restrictions in respect of the use of lamps emitting a blue light or of sirens on vehicles operated by any person;
(c) the rights and duties of persons using pedal cycles on public roads and the duties of drivers of vehicles to ensure the safety of persons using pedal cycles…”
Regulations already being drafted include:
Other regulations being considered:
Protecting Children
Seatbelts
Worldwide, massive gains have been made through the introduction of compulsory seatbelts. In South Africa, we have a major enforcement issue, which the upcoming provincial road safety strategy will address. To strengthen our arm in this regard, we are considering the introduction of personal fines for passengers not wearing seatbelts.
Speed
Countless studies show the benefits in terms of preventing loss of life and serious injury by reducing speed limits. Every argument against speed limit reduction has been debunked by every practical implementation of lower speed limits backed up with public education and proper enforcement. The benefits of lower fuel use to the road user and to the environment are fantastic but pale into comparison when compared to the hundreds of lives that will be saved. We are therefore considering the reduction of speed limits throughout the province by 10kmh, e.g. 120km/h becomes 110km/h, and 80kmh becomes 70km/h. In addition, we are considering mandatory 40km/h and 30km/h zones for shops, schools and areas of high pedestrian concentration.
The unnecessary carnage on our roads is an issue that affects us all with no exception. The distinction between driver, passenger or pedestrian therefore becomes non-existent as we all bear a shared responsibility to ourselves and others.
The public is encouraged to submit their written comments on the Bill, in writing, on or before 20 September 2012 and also to propose other regulations in writing that they wish to have considered:
Postal Address:
The Secretary:
Western Cape Provincial Parliament
(Attention: Mr M Sassman)
P.O. Box 648
Cape Town
8000
Email: msassman@wcpp.gov.za
Fax: Mr M Sassman (021) 487 1685
COMMENTS ON SUGGESTED FUTURE REGULATIONS
A misunderstanding has developed that the Provincial Road Traffic Bill encompasses a reduction in the speed limit and a number of other traffic matters. It does not. These are proposals that are being mooted for the future and do not form part of the Bill nor do they form part of the public participation process associated with the Provincial Road Traffic Bill. No regulations have or are being drafted other than for blue light and cyclists. Members of the public wishing to comment on any of the proposals, such as speed limit reductions, child restraints, scholar transport etc, or suggest further or alternative proposals, should comment directly to the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, as follows:
Hector Eliott, Head of Ministry, hector.eliott@westerncape.gov.za
Address:
9 Dorp Street
Cape Town
8000
or
Private Bag X9185
Cape Town
8001
Fax: (021) 483 9471
Details for submissions are in the Western Cape Provincial Road Traffic Bill.
I commend Provincial Traffic Services for their continued efforts to stop Western Cape roads from being used to transport illegal substances.
Keeping each other safe on the roads is about developing permanent vigilance and taking constant care.
Last week, 64 people were arrested by Western Cape Provincial Traffic officers on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. During the same period, 15 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in our province.
On Saturday, 23 March 2024, the Western Cape Government (WCG) officially launched our Easter road safety campaign for 2024.