MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Following the death of one pedestrian and another who suffered serious injuries, the Mossel Bay community expressed its concern regarding pedestrians along the N2.
A 66-year-old KwaNonqaba man died in an accident on the N2 near KwaNonqaba on 20 June, while a Malawian national was hit by a truck and seriously injured on the N2 near the Langeberg Mall the following day.
According to reports, the former had been hitchhiking while the latter had just gotten out of a taxi that had dropped her off.
In the wake of Mossel Bay Advertiser's reports on both accidents, there has been widespread criticism from community members on social media both towards pedestrians on highways as well as law enforcement's action when it comes to situations like these.
Mossel Bay Advertiser sent questions to the Western Cape Department of Mobility regarding the situation as well as what is being done to prevent accidents of this nature.
Communication officer for the department, Reyana Steyn said the department's provincial traffic officers do enforce laws against vehicles picking up or dropping people on the N2 freeway. "Unfortunately, we will never know where pedestrians will be dropped off or cross the road at all times, as with any other rural or urban road. Pedestrians often want to take 'shorter' routes and do not use crossings and bridges provided for them to cross a road safely.
"The accidents were unfortunate, as the pedestrians crossed the road before it was clear. We strongly urge motorists and operators to only drop off people close to dedicated transport hubs or where it is safe to stop, and for pedestrians to use allocated pedestrian crossings and bridges."
Community members said if this issue is not addressed in some way, it would only be a matter of time before the same happened on other areas of the N2.
Steyn said according to section 63(B) of the National Land Transport Act (5 of 2009) (NLTA), an operating licence does not excuse the holder from complying with all laws. Regulation 23 imposes a duty on licence holders to follow the NLTA provisions and any additional legislation or provincial laws.
"This obligation extends to adhering to the National Road Traffic Act (93 of 1996) and its associated regulations. Notably, that passengers may not be picked up or dropped off on a freeway."
She urged anyone who witnesses cases like these to report them to the Western Cape Provincial Regulatory Entity so that remedial action can be taken against the operator. "Pedestrian fatalities are the highest fatalities recorded on Western Cape roads, which is a big concern to the department, we strongly encourage pedestrians to use allocated pavements, pedestrian crossings and bridges. It is also advisable for pedestrians to wear bright coloured or reflective clothing, particularly in dark conditions to increase visibility."
The community mentioned the Mossel Bay Municipality in its concerns as well when it comes to enforcing the above mentioned laws.
The municipality clarified its role as follows:
"Provincial traffic is responsible for law enforcement on the N2 and thus is mostly visible on the N2. Municipal traffic services focus on residential areas in and around Mossel Bay, while provincial traffic deals with provincial roads in and around the larger Mossel Bay area, for example Louis Fourie Road, the R102, etc.
"In a case where a patrol vehicle from the municipal traffic department observes a pedestrian on the N2 that might pose a risk, they may take action."
Should any citizen have witnessed either of the accidents, they are urged to contact Warrant Officer Errol Barnard (044 606 5631) regarding the accident near KwaNonqaba, or Warrant Officer Marizanne du Plessis (044 606 2235) for the accident near Langeberg Mall. Respective cases of reckless and negligent driving and culpable homicide were opened.
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