Resident accuses EMPD of “window dressing”
Julian van Onselen recently raised his concerns regarding the activity of taxis in the Groeneweide area and the lack of EMPD presence to monitor such activity.
The Advertiser previously reported that van Onselen said that taxis driving through suburbs have a negative impact, as it causes an increase in the chances of an accidents happening, as taxi drivers ignore road signs.
Supt Wilfred Kgasago, spokesperson for the EMPD, says that both the precinct and specialised services unit monitored the area immediately after receipt of the complaint to verify the claims made.
Van Onselen says that the sudden action taken by the EMPD was nothing more than “window dressing”.
“Following my complaint, action taken only involves one EMPD operation per week, consisting of surveying the situation for approximately one-and-a half-hours. And then it seems only two members are involved.
“This operation is also only done at the corner of Agulhas Road and Tunny Street,” he says.
He adds that EMPD members have apparently ignored drivers who fail to stop dead at a stop sign.
“There is a blatant disregard for traffic laws and I am sad to say that some members of the EMPD are not motivated to enforce the traffic laws.”
Supt Kgasago says that the EMPD went into action as soon as the complaint was received.
“Moving violations were dealt with according the law while the precinct joined hands with specialised services to tackle the alleged crime taking place in that area,” adds Kgasago.
“It should also be noted that it is not the EMPD’s responsibility to erect speed calming measures and the re-painting of faded road markings.
“What we have done is to make the relevant department aware of such needs while we have also made the necessary recommendations.
“As to whether speed calming measures can be applied to that particular class of road is up to the Roads and Civil Works Department as well as city engineers.”
“If the relevant departments deem it fit to erect speed calming measures, it is will not be overnight.
“We ensure that we will follow-up on all what has been recommended. We hope that repainting of faded road markings will be done soon,” says Kgasago.
