Update: Helderkruin stop sign concerns addressed
50 citations issued by JMPD at Helderkruin stop sign to date
“We will continue monitoring and enforcing the traffic laws at the stop sign on the corner of Ouklip and Sonderend Streets in Helderkruin.”
These were the words of Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) regional commander, Deputy Director Mike Smith after a resident voiced his concerns about motorists’ blatant disregard for basic traffic laws.
According to Smith, he has sent JMPD officers to the corner in question on numerous occasions, and during the week from 24 March to 31 March they issued 50 citations to motorists. “41 were for disregarding the stop sign, five for no licence disc, three for no driver’s license and one for no number plate,” he said.
Also read: WARNING: If you are one of the culprits, justice is literally ’round the corner
He added that, despite these statistics, it is not only about enforcement of the law, but educating the motorists as well. “In our profession, we use the three E’s – education, engineering and enforcement – when faced with problems like this. There are other intersections similar to this one, particularly in the residential suburbs where traffic is being regulated by a stop sign. In many instances a traffic circle – engineering – would probably serve a better purpose, but they are very expensive to install compared to a stop sign,” he said.
Letter from a reader: They should be named and shamed
Smith ensured residents that they will continue to monitor the situation. “We will continue deploying JMPD officers to this corner to ensure law enforcement is done. The officers have also said that they have received a lot of positive feedback from members of the public who have stopped and congratulated them on their efforts. It is encouraging to have this kind of interaction with the motorists, as it builds a good relationship with the community,” he said.
Residents were reminded to report any incidents pertaining to traffic laws by sending an email to mikesm@joburg.org.za.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
One Comment