A local traffic officer is inspecting a car.
With the festive season fast approaching, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, has issued a strong appeal to motorists: settle all outstanding traffic summonses before embarking on their holiday travels.
The Macie’s call comes as the province prepares for a major deployment of traffic law enforcement officers, particularly during peak travel times.
A crucial element of these deployments will be the Automated Number Plate Recognition technology, commonly referred to as Nyamsoro.
MEC Macie highlighted that Nyamsoro will be strategically deployed across the province to actively identify individuals and vehicles with unpaid summonses and warrants of arrest.
“We will deploy Nyamsoro across the province to help us enforce the law and deal with errant motorists who ignore summonses issued to them for violating the rules of the road. Therefore, as part of arranging holiday trips, motorists must ensure that they deal with outstanding summonses before taking to the road,” he said
Macie also warned that those with outstanding warrants of arrest need to act urgently to avoid unnecessary delays when stopped by officers on the road.
Furthermore, motorists and vehicle owners with outstanding fines may face difficulties when attempting to renew their vehicle licence discs or driving licences.
To avoid disruptions to their holiday plans, motorists are advised to settle their outstanding fines promptly.
For Provincial Fines: Motorists can call 066 547 9825, email info@mpumalangatrafficfines.co.za, or visit the office at No 36 Van Rensburg Street, Sonheuwel Central in Mbombela.
For Municipal Fines: Motorists must contact the relevant municipalities directly.
In addition to the enforcement drive targeting outstanding fines, the Department, along with various stakeholders, will be conducting a comprehensive range of road safety operations throughout the holiday period.
These operations will include:
• Roadblocks
• Block patrols
• Speed and alcohol blitzes
• Law enforcement and roadside checks
• Rest stops
• Road safety education activities
Macie affirmed that these extensive plans are specifically aimed at reducing road crashes and fatalities during this exceptionally busy period.
He also stressed that road safety is a joint effort and not solely the responsibility of the government.
“Road safety is not a responsibility of government alone. Motorists must play their part and prioritize their own safety and that of other road users by adhering to the rules,” Macie said
He also made a critical appeal to passengers, urging them not to risk their lives by agreeing to be transported by drivers who are intoxicated or in overloaded and unroadworthy vehicles.
“Passengers must not risk their lives by agreeing to be ferried in unroadworthy and overloaded vehicles. Instead, they should report any reckless driver behaviour. I am calling on all road users to work hand in glove with government to reduce death and injury on the road,” he said
