This is how Cape Town motorists are putting themselves at risk
People are putting themselves at risk of being attacked and robbed by criminals on some of Cape Town’s most dangerous roads due to running out of petrol.
Last month traffic officials responded to more than 100 incidents of motorists stranded along the N2 due to a petrol shortage and vehicle mechanical issues – despite the notorious reputation for criminal attacks along these roads.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said that highway safety was not the responsibility of the police alone. “I want to urge motorists to safeguard their wellbeing and that of their passengers by ensuring they have enough petrol before they set off – and not just on the highways, because opportunistic criminals can strike anywhere and at any time,” Smith said.
The drivers of these stranded vehicles had called for help between the times of 7 pm and 6 am – a very dangerous time to be alone on the N2 and R300.
“Things can and will go wrong with our vehicles and sometimes those incidents are beyond our control,” Smith said. “However, our many years of traffic enforcement have also taught us that vehicle maintenance is not a priority for many people. The number of incidents that metro police responded to over a relatively short period of time is astounding; more so the number of incidents where mechanical problems or a lack of fuel were the reason.”
Smith said, ”While the responsibility for the road lies with Sanral and the Western Cape government, with the police in charge of crime prevention, motorists need to play their part by not neglecting maintenance on their vehicles.”
Source: Cape Argus & IOL News