October 19, 2006
By Tammy O'Reilly
TRAFFIC jams are a fact of life in Johannesburg, but the latest initiative to ease congestion aims to show that traffic can flow smoothly.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, Talk Radio 702 and insurance company Outsurance have teamed up to bring the Mobile Pointsmen project to the busiest areas of Sandton, Randburg, Fourways and Midrand.
During peak times motorists can call Talk Radio 702's traffic hotline when there is a snarl-up, and a pointsman will be deployed to the chaotic intersection. There are 10 specially trained pointsmen who will be able to zip around town on motorbikes sponsored by Outsurance.
The intersection of Grayston Drive and Rivonia Road is one of the busiest in Sandton
This programme is an extension of one started in September 2005 by the same partners. In that, 22 pointsmen were permanently deployed to the busiest intersections in Sandton, as identified by motorists.
Metro police have been involved in both phases, giving the pointsmen training in traffic control at accident scenes, at intersections where traffic sometimes moves in eight directions, and how to deal with abusive motorists.
"One of the main challenges of this job is that some motorists don't take us seriously," says pointsman Sandile Jele. "Everyday we experience some form of shouting from drivers because we don't allow them to cross an intersection. But they have to understand that we are there to make sure that cars from all directions get a chance to pass."
The pointsmen work for two hours in the morning and afternoon peak traffic times. Their working hours will change through the seasons to ensure their safety during times when visibility is poor – like winter and in heavy rain.
For both phases of the project the pointsmen were chosen from Alexandra. Each had shown a strong commitment to community safety in that area by their involvement in the Alex Community Protection Forum, volunteering at the local police station and participating in community safety education programmes.
"The pointsmen project has already proven itself to be a sustainable solution to improving traffic flow on the city's busiest roads," said metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar. "We are confident that the launch of this second phase will build on the successes thus far and further enhance the benefits to the residents of Johannesburg."
Motorists can report any traffic problems they encounter to Talk Radio 702 on 011 506 3566 or by sending an SMS to 31702.
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