City steps up freeway safety drive to reduce pedestrian fatalities

The City of Cape Town has intensified safety initiatives aimed at reducing pedestrian deaths on its roads, with a specific focus on keeping pedestrians off high-speed freeways during the festive season.

As part of the initiative, Traffic Services has combined education, awareness, and enforcement measures. Officers have fined up to 250 pedestrians found unlawfully walking on freeways since Monday, December 1, according to the City.

Traffic Services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs said pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users on the high-speed routes.

"This enforcement follows extensive pedestrian awareness and education initiatives conducted on various freeway routes prior to enforcement commencing.

"During these awareness operations, Traffic Officers engaged directly with pedestrians, educating them on the dangers of walking on high-speed routes, explaining the legal restrictions, and directing them to safer, designated pedestrian routes."

He added that these engagements were aimed at prevention and encouraging voluntary compliance. 

Despite these efforts, Mr Jacobs said some pedestrians continue to place themselves in danger by entering high-speed routes, creating risks for both themselves and motorists.

"Pedestrian presence on these routes creates a serious safety hazard, not only to the individuals involved but also to motorists who may be forced into sudden evasive action." 

However, we previously reported that pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users in the Western Cape. A total of 34 people lost their lives in 27 road crashes across the Western Cape between December 22 and 28, with pedestrians accounting for nearly half of the fatalities.

Between December 15 and December 21, the Western Cape Mobility Department recorded 28 crashes during the seven days, where 30 people were killed, with pedestrians accounting for 11 of the fatalities.

Motorists have been urged to remain vigilant, while pedestrians are reminded to use designated pedestrian road markings to help prevent tragic and avoidable incidents.