Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Dirk Kotze and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has submitted a detailed motion to the Mangaung Metropolitan Council to improve road safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Mangaung residents have faced ongoing challenges due to speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, and unroadworthy vehicles, as well as infrastructure issues such as potholes, malfunctioning traffic lights, and faded road markings.
The DA maintains that every loss of life on our roads is avoidable and underscores the necessity of comprehensive municipal intervention.
The proposed Road Safety and Enforcement By-law will:
- Establish stricter penalties and increased fines for reckless, impaired, and distracted driving.
- Authorise law enforcement to impound vehicles deemed unsafe or unlicensed.
- Enforce a prohibition on the use of mobile phones while operating a vehicle.
- Introduce mandatory community service requirements for serious traffic offenders.Dedicate all revenue generated from fines and impoundments exclusively to:
- Road repairs, pothole maintenance, and the renewal of road markings,
- Repair and maintenance of traffic lights and signage,
- Recruitment and training of additional law enforcement officers,
- Public education and awareness initiatives focused on road safety.
- Implement automated speed and red-light cameras, together with digital ticketing systems, to enhance enforcement measures.
- Promote accountability through a transparent Road Safety Fund and regular public reporting.
Successful adoption of this motion requires active engagement from Mangaung residents. The DA is initiating a public petition urging Council to promptly approve the Road Safety and Enforcement By-law to prevent further loss of lives and improve overall road safety.
Each signature is instrumental in encouraging municipal action, safeguarding communities, and reinforcing accountability.
Residents are invited to support safer roads for Mangaung by signing the DA’s Road Safety Petition here. Petition tables will also be available in wards citywide over the coming weeks.
The DA remains committed to saving lives, fostering accountability, and enhancing road safety across Mangaung. Support for this bylaw is essential to making these goals a reality.