The City of Cape Town’s Metro Police have raised concerns about stationary vehicles along major routes in the city.
According to a statement released on Friday, the reasons for motorists stopping are varied and include people stopping to take calls, dropping or picking up people, or because they’ve experienced mechanical problems or run out of fuel.
Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, says it is illegal to stop on a freeway and it also makes motorists vulnerable to possible criminal attacks – particularly on the N2 and R300, which have become hotspots in recent years.
In the first three weeks of December, the Freeway Management System cameras detected 454 stationary vehicles along the shoulder of the N2 and R300. No reasons were established for 66 of the incidents. Of the remaining 388, most were stop-and-go incidents and drop-offs or pick-ups. A total of 114 were confirmed cases of vehicle troubles, including mechanical failure, flat tyres and running out of fuel.
“We understand that there are factors that are beyond the control of the average motorist, but I urge people to plan their routes carefully and to check basic maintenance aspects on a regular basis. Check tyre pressure when you’re filling up and always make sure you have enough fuel. While the City’s enforcement agencies patrol the major routes, criminals pounce in a split second and so if it’s possible to avoid having to stop along the road during a journey, please don’t,” Smith says.
On Saturday 17 December, two Metro Police officers came to the assistance of a stranded motorist and her four-month-old baby along the R300. The officers waited until the woman’s brother arrived and then helped them to tow the vehicle. One of the officers also gave the motorist a courtesy call a few hours later to enquire about her and the baby’s wellbeing.
“The motorist brought the incident to our attention and expressed her gratitude to the staff members. This is but one example of how our staff assist the public. There have even been instances where officers have driven to filling stations to buy petrol for stranded motorists to help them on their way again.
“The City is happy to help, but we appeal to motorists to do everything possible to ensure they have a safe journey, including making sure their cars are in good condition and that cellphones are charged and contain the number for the City’s 107 call centre, so they can call for help should they be stranded.”
The 107 Public Emergency Communication Centre can be contacted by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
