The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) together with all its provincial, metropolitan police and municipal traffic departments have long prepared for the games through the National Rolling Enforcement Plan. The plan, which saw as a build-up to the main event, a number of special operations conducted over the last eighteen months to ensure that a new culture of road behavior is inculcated among our motorists.
While it is hoped that this improved driver behavior will be part of the road safety legacy left behind by the World Cup, there are still some reckless and negligent drivers who have not abided by the messages. Given the high crash record in South Africa, traffic authorities will not be turning a blind eye to offences that can have lethal consequences.
Road Traffic Authorities around the country will play a key role in ensuring that road based fans arrive at their various destinations safely. As part of the preparations, all major sporting, cultural and political gatherings were used as dry-runs in preparation for the World Cup. Traffic officers underwent additional training in dealing with foreign drivers, customer relations and crowd control. Leave has been curtailed and all senior officers will be in uniform and deployed at various hazardous locations around the country.
Special monitors from the RTMC have been deployed in provinces and they will provide daily reports to the National Joint Operations Centre. Traffic authorities have also been roped in to assist with escorting of soccer VIP’s and special regulations approved to allow for inter-jurisdictional operations. Road safety satellite stations, info centres and rescue camps will be established along major routes while high visibility enforcement patrols will be the order of the day.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) would like road users to be aware of the following:
1. Fans are advised to arrive at least three hours before the opening ceremony that will be held at the Orlando Stadium on Friday, 10 June 2010.
(There will be road closures around the stadium from as early as 07H30 on the day; Park and Ride facilities will also be operational on the day)
2. Fans are requested to leave and arrive early at the match venues, at least two hours before kick-off time
3. Motorists should note that the normal law enforcement activities will continue including camera speed enforcement
4. While no roadblocks will be held before any game (to avoid delays, congestion and frustration), motorists must be aware that random alcohol blitzes will be conducted after the matches and a zero tolerance approach will be adopted by all the authorities. Drivers are therefore advised to avoid any alcohol before and after any matches
5. Special Enforcement Operations will be conducted at fan parks and Public Viewing Areas (PVA’s) as it is expected that as part of the festivities, alcohol will be consumed. Motorists are warned not to drink and drive
6. Hanging out of the car’s side windows, overloading, riding on the roof and spinning cars (making “doughnuts”) are all dangerous actions that can lead to disaster
7. Public transport vehicles will be inspected for both, driver and vehicle fitness along all major arterial routes leading into and out of various stadia
8. Moving violations such as excessive speed, barrier line infringements, jumping red lights and general dangerous driving will not be tolerated and drivers can and will be arrested
9. The possibility of road rage is very real and motorists are requested to plan effectively, leave on time, be courteous to fellow road users and learn to relax
10. Construction work along the main arterial routes will be grounded for the duration of the games, however, motorists are still advised to plan their inbound and outbound journeys effectively
11. Always obey the instructions of traffic officials and give them a friendly toot as you pass by. Many are working overtime and are being exposed to the elements and rude manners of irate motorists. A little cheer will go along way for them too!
12. Beware of drunken pedestrians, jay walkers and pedestrians on freeways, especially at night when visibility is down. In winter, the sun sets early and rises late resulting in many vulnerable pedestrians still being on the roads
13. As far as possible, avoid travelling long distances at night where pot holes, and stray animals can lead to crashes. If you really have to, ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, let your front passenger act as a navigator and travel at a speed that allows sufficient reaction time and braking distance
14. In misty weather or when driving through veld fire smoke, increase your following distance and travel with your headlamps on low beam (not park lights)
15. Be especially courteous and patient with foreign drivers who may be lost or uncertain about our road traffic rules and regulations
16. Report bad driving to 0861 400 800
17. At all times, buckle up and obey all road traffic rules
“While we appreciate the carnival atmosphere of this momentous tournament in the country, we do not want to spoil the celebrations and parties, but we certainly cannot allow lawlessness to lead to crashes and casualties on our roads. Fatalities as a result of road crashes will certainly cause heartbreak and long term suffering for loved ones, and that is not the legacy we want the games to leave behind,” said Acting CEO of the RTMC, Mr. Collins Letsoalo. “We appeal to all motorists to be patient, be prepared and most of all, be polite by leaving our guests with a memorable experience of our hospitality even on our roads,” he added.
Report bad driving on 0861 400 800
For further information please contact Mr. Ashref Ismail (RTMC) on (012) 809-5316/071 680 3448
Also view:
2010 Football World Cup and Safety on the Road
Road Safety during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa
• www.sa2010.gov.za
• Road Safety advice for foreigners travelling through South Africa
• Spectator Safety on the Road to the Sports Stadium
• Route Planner and Planning your trip in South Africa
• How to handle an emergency
• Guide to Safety and Driving on Safari
and
We would like to urge all our visitors to save these mobile website domains on their mobiles:
Arrivealive.mobi
m.sa2010.gov.za
We would like to wish all our football supporters a safe and enjoyable 2010 FIFA Football World Cup!!