MEDIA RELEASE 15 November 2006 Keep safe, stay sober and drive responsibly says Joburg The City of Joburg's Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and City Safety Programme Unit (JCSPU) will in the coming weeks intensify the fight against crime, traffic and by-law violations. "Joint operations with SAPS, EMS, Department of Community Safety, Environmental Health, Liquor Board, Town Planning, City Power and Eskom are planned from the 20 November 2006 to 20 January 2007", says Councillor Thomas Phakathi Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety. Continuing he says, "With the festive season upon us the objective is to make the City a safer place for all of us especially on the roads". The operations will focus on reducing road fatalities by targeting drivers who disregard rules of the road, those driving under the influence of alcohol, overloading and non-use of safety belts. Roadside checks will also be conducted for unroad worthy vehicles, valid driver's licence as well as search occupants and vehicles for dangerous weapons, drugs and suspected stolen goods. The special crime unit that operates in the Inner City is on high alert with regards to any criminal activity. "I implore drivers to reduce speed especially when it rains and not to speed, I cannot over emphasize the danger of speeding that usually ends in a fatal acccident", says Clr Phakathi. He said that the Johannesburg Roads Agency would be activating 16 CCTV's on the M1 between Empire Road and Corlett Drive at the end of November 2006. These have been installed at a cost of R8m and will be linked to the Inner City control room as well as the recently installed cameras on the N1. Although the primary purpose of these cameras is to monitor traffic and report incidents in real time to JMPD, EMS and the media to inform road users of alternative routes, it will be expanded to monitor criminal activity as well. As part of this campaign, SAPS and JMPD will distribute thousands of pamphlets containing safety tips throughout the City. The youth will also be targeted with special messages with regards to drug and alcohol abuse. There will also be increased police visibility in the City and particularly around pension points and other identified crime hotspots. "The message is simple, keep safe, stay sober and drive responsibly", says Clr Phakathi, "No criminal activity or breaking of traffic laws will be tolerated and the key to successfully doing this is support from road users, business and residents alike". Ends Issued on behalf of: Councillor Thomas Phakathi Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety Issued by: Virgil James Communications Specialist (011) 407 7226 082 467 9415 virgilj@joburg.org.za