PRESS RELEASE – On Friday, 11 October 2024, Traffic Services at Overstrand Municipality launched its Roadblock Bus and trailer with an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system.
The ANPR will support future roadblocks by identifying individuals with outstanding fines, summons and warrants.
The launch was attended by the Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for the Municipal Public Safety Directorate, Lindile Ntsabo, along with other councillors and municipal law enforcement officials. Provincial Traffic Chief, Thembile Qunta, Hermanus Police Station Commander, Colonel Gustav Tamboer, and Omar Valley, the Overberg District Safety Co-ordinator, were also present.
During the opening, Mayor Rabie expressed her enthusiasm for the new technology and the use of the Roadblock Bus and trailer to enhance road safety and assist in combatting crime within the Overstrand jurisdiction.
She remarked she is appalled by the reckless driving on 7th Street in Voëlklip, especially by drivers with CEM number plates who treat the street like a local highway during her morning commute to work. “What has happened to respect for traffic signs and speed limits?” the Mayor asked.
She added that if the Bus can contribute to changing driver behaviour in Overstrand, “then we will have made a significant impact on the return of this investment.”
Maurice Kannemeyer, CEO of Ultimate Traffic Solutions (UTS) who are the contracted consultant, provided a brief overview of the Roadblock Bus’s equipment and capabilities.
He discussed how the Municipality could benefit from improved efficiency in issuing summonses directly from the Bus, thus saving on overtime and manpower. In addition, he added that handheld solutions will save time in issuing fines and reduce unnecessary officer errors.
In his closing remarks, Traffic Chief Rudi Fraser stated that his team believes the Roadblock Bus will significantly raise awareness of Overstrand Municipality’s commitment to enforcing traffic laws.
He encouraged residents to visit the traffic offices in Kleinmond, Hermanus or Gansbaai, as well as the Municipal Court at the municipal offices in Hermanus, to check for any outstanding fines. He emphasised the importance of understanding one’s rights regarding the application for reductions or redirections to avoid potential embarrassment on the side of the road.
The event concluded with an inspection of the Roadblock Bus, showcasing its services and demonstrating how it works in practice.
The Roadblock Bus can perform the following functions:
- The ANPR functionality allows for number plate scanning to detect outstanding fines, summonses, and warrants.
- Payments: Payments can be processed on the bus via payment points (Yoco or handheld devices). Payment details can be captured.
- Representation: Representatives can be recorded on-site in case of reductions.
- Summons: Summonses can be generated and printed.
- Inquiries: Inquiries can be made to check for outstanding infringements.
- Notices can be printed on the bus
- CCTV Surveillance: All activity in and around the bus can be monitored via a CCTV app.
- Drone: A drone, which is currently on order, will be supplied with the Roadblock bus.
