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CTN rolls out new weapons in speed war

LES STEPHENSON

CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town has unsheathed some new weapons in the neverending war against drivers who have no use for speed limits... and they’ll be being waved in anger before the end of October.


The system is about to go into operation on Nelson Mandela Boulevard in the city centre and it has the lengthy appellation: Average Speed Over Distance Cameras.

Basically, you car is identified by its number plate as it enters the highway and again at points along it. A computer instantly calculates every vehicle's average speed and, if it’s higher than the speed limit, will nail you with a penalty.

SIMILAR SYSTEM ON M5

The installation of these systems, we're told, is provided for in the city’s contract with Syntell so there is no capital costs to city finances.

The cameras will monitor all lanes of the dual carriageway in both directions from the bottom of Nelson Mandela Boulevard to the N2 and M3. There are three sets of cameras: the first is on the footbridge over Nelson Mandela Boulevard adjacent to District Six; the second is on the Main Road bridge over Settlers Way; the third set is on the footbridge at Mostert’s Mill on the M3.

The city’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, told Wheels24: “Too often drivers travel at speeds in excess of the legal limit in this area and we hope this system will result in greater compliance with the law – in line with our commitment to create a safe city.”

'PLEASE OBEY THE RULES'

The city introduced a similar system on the M5 between Kromboom Road and the Ottery Road bridges a few years ago. On that stretch of road, the city says, the system has generated more than 14 500 penalties since August 2012. Wheels24 understands that sections of the N1 outside the city have also been covered by such systems.

Smith added: “In August alone, Cape Town Traffic Services recorded 113 000 speeding offences. Little wonder then that we have to resort to such extraordinary measures to try to  safeguard the law-abiding members of the public from those for whom it’s all just a game.

“We appeal to people to work with us by obeying the rules of the road and showing courtesy for their fellow road users.”

So, folks, you have been warned...

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