October is marked as Transport Month in South Africa. The month is being used by government to advance, among other things, the country’s road safety initiatives and to create awareness about the important role of safe, affordable and reliable transport systems for everyone.
The Western Cape Transport Department says it is focusing on bolstering safe and responsible road user behaviour with a particular focus on pedestrian safety. This heightened road safety awareness campaign was announced as part of Transport Month.
Government first introduced transport month in 2005, as part of efforts to raise awareness about the important role transport plays in the economy. It was also introduced as a way to invite participation from civic society and business, in providing a safe, more affordable, accessible and reliable transport system for the country.
Western Cape MEC of Mobility Daylin Mitchell officially launched Transport Month by joining officers on the R27 road on the West Coast on Sunday, 2 October 2022.
“It cannot be business as usual during this month, we have to work around the clock, provide structured traffic law enforcement and road safety interventions to influence all road users positively, with a view to demonstrating improved behaviour while using our road network to commute within and beyond the Western Cape.”
“Walking remains the most common mode of transport and therefore requires special attention, as we aim to keep pedestrians safe. Our traffic officers are playing an important role in making our communities safe for all who live and move around in the Western Cape. The officers will continue to execute multiple joint integrated operations and visibility strategies throughout the province to ensure the safety of motorists and other road users.”
“I will continue to support our traffic officers and promote our communication and awareness campaign for October Transport Month by actively participating at various Traffic Law Enforcement activities and awareness campaigns across the province, “ Mitchell concluded.
