Council regulates boom gates to reduce crime
Allowing pedestrian gates to be locked for certain hours at night when there is a proven security consideration
The City of Johannesburg’s Council approved a revised Security Access Restriction Policy at their last meeting on 27 September. This policy regulates ‘boom gates’, which residents associations manage to assist them to reduce crime in their areas.
According to the MMC for Transport, councillor Nonhlanhla Helen Makhuba, the Transport Department conducted a review of the Security Access Restriction Policy during the last year that included a public participation process.
This was as a result of a request from the Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba, as well as requests from residents for changes especially as to whether they can use electronic devices such as remotes and push buttons.
“We had a very healthy process of public participation and I believe the revised policy will make it easier for existing resident bodies to balance the security and convenience needs with the right to freedom of movement of residents and workers in their areas, and also lead to increased resident compliance with the policy”, said Makhuba.
“We have introduced a number of changes both in the policy and the administration of the policy which will make it more user friendly,” she added.
The key changes in the policy include:
– Allowing resident associations to use automation such as remotes and push buttons under certain conditions. These conditions require that any automation should be actively managed through human intervention.
– Allowing pedestrian gates to be locked for certain hours at night when there is a proven security consideration.
– Requiring Public Safety (Emergency Management Services and JMPD) to give comments on proposed applications before any City approval.
– Requiring road signage at the entrances to the closure, which must indicate the period of validity of a Security Access Restriction permit. While the first approval of a Security Access Restriction only lasts two years in terms of legislation, renewals can be for longer periods, on application by the applicant.
– Provision for explanatory notes which will be issued from time to time to respond to changes in technology or circumstances and which can assist applicants in preparing their applications.
Makhuba also mentioned that the Transport Department and JRA have produced new simplified forms for both new and renewal applications which are available on the JRA and City websites.
To inform interested residents of the changes as well as to explain the new process to apply for permanent road closures, the Transport Department will be hosting a Public Information Meeting on Thursday, 15 November at 6pm at the Reception Room, Metro Centre.
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