Illegal street racing will soon be off Cape roads
According to IOL Motoring, the City of Cape Town and Western Province Motor Club have entered a join initiative called ‘Street2Strip, that will hopefully take illegal street racing off the roads and rather on to the race track. They aim to host racing events on a weekly basis at Killarney instead.
But this comes at a cost of about R100 000 per month with the city investing R700 000. Negotiations are still be finalised but this initiative is expected to launch in the coming weeks.
JP Smith, Mayco member for Safety and Security, said that officers don’t like to impound cars or “heading drag racing operations”. He says their resources are better used on roads where pedestrians are threatened by careless drivers.
The Western Province Motor Club executive manager, Des Easom, says that the event has always been a popular one since it was launched in 2008. He also told the Cape Argus that street racing is dangerous and Killarney’s Street2Strip experience will offer all the thrills but without the usual risks involved. Killarney’s circuit won’t be altered but rather special structures to reduce noise levels will be erected to for surrounding residents, costing about R200 000. What is also great is that the event will offer free roadworthy checks, security and emergency medical services.
How do the illegal racing community feel about this initiative? IOL Motoring quotes an illegal street racer as saying, ” the appeal of racing is more than thrill of being chased by the law. It’s about the blood pumping through your veins. It’s like a drug. I would rather spend my money on my car than pay fines so I do not mind taking my skill to the race track. ” Another illegal drag racer liked the idea but was concerned about the entrance fees.
Source: IOL Motoring
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