Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, MEC Sizakhele Nkosi-Malobane, has engaged with officials of Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) as part of a nation-wide extensive consultations on the National Road Traffic Law Enforcement Code (NRTLEC).
The NRTLEC aims to enhance uniformity, cohesion in relation to strategic areas. This includes conduct and ethical behaviour of traffic law enforcement authorities and road traffic safety practitioners.
Addressing the attendees, Nkosi-Malobane said it was incumbent upon them to engage as local, provincial and national government represented by the RTMC to work towards the finalisation of the code.
“The standards prescribed in the National Road Traffic Law Enforcement Code are a basis through which authorities can ensure satisfactory delivery of services as it seeks to provide strategic direction in addressing issues relating to road traffic law enforcement management and service provision thereof.
“It is envisaged that with the application of the code, the road traffic law enforcement authorities will significantly improve safety on public roads, and enhance the quality of life of all South African citizens.
Community Safety MEC addresses audience at the National Road Traffic Law Enforcement consultation https://t.co/nahp2d0ut2
— Ntombi Sibeko (@CharityNtombza) March 22, 2019
Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane as well as MMC Vivienne Chauke are some of the speakers at the National Road Traffic Law Enforcement Code consultations @BoksburgNews taking place @Birchwood_Hotel pic.twitter.com/pN5tMUwml2
— Ntombi Sibeko (@CharityNtombza) March 22, 2019
“It is incumbent upon all of us to embrace it as we work towards a decade of Road Safety 2020,” said the MEC.
Nkosi-Malobane said some metro police departments were more into fund-raising or revenue collections as opposed to enforcing the law.
She emphasised the need to professionalise the road traffic law enforcement units, and to ensure competent management practices.
“We want authorities that are adequately qualified, equipped and experienced with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide guidance and leadership to the law enforcement officers.
“Failure to comply with the code may precipitate an intervention to remedy such non-compliance by traffic law enforcement authorities,” she said.
Nkosi-Malobane warned against officials making false reports, either oral or written, and the misuse of state vehicles.
“No person other than an officer, or authorised member of staff, a detainee, or persons on authorised official business, are permitted to ride in traffic law enforcement authority vehicles.
“We have seen in recent times officers using state vehicles for their personal use. It is not allowed and this must stop,” she said.
Presentations on the NRTLEC highlighted the main objectives of the operating principles, including the following:
- To reduce accidents, fatalities and serious injuries.
- To create a heightened awareness of road traffic safety issues.
- To inculcate good road user behaviour and encourage voluntary compliance.
- To increase detection and prosecution of critical road traffic offences.
- To reduce offence rates on all key safety indices.
- To harmonise and coordinate common operations in all tiers of service.
- To maximise communications and publicity exposure on enforcement issues.
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