Capetonians will have to ensure their dials read 10km/hr less…..at least this is what pending new legislature is proposing.
I am all for reducing speeding but reducing the limits leaves me with a few queries. Firstly, does this imply that all signage in the Western Cape will have to change? Surely road users cannot be fined if the speed limit is not clearly and accurately displayed? Costs incurred in such a venture has to be enormous and I'm curious as to how it will be budgeted?
I totally agree that in areas with a high pedestrian load e.g. schools, limits should be reduced to 30-40km/hr. However, being a suburbian lady myself, I have never seen any speed limits being enforced close to our schools. There is no point in changing laws with no plans to police it.
As for our national roads, I understand that studies have proven a reduction in road accidents for every Km that the speed limit is reduced. I just fail to see how practically there is much difference between 110km/hr vs 120km/hr on our highways. Accidents occur when current limits are greatly exceeded and mostly if in addition to this a driver is under the influence of alcohol.
I feel that money would be much better spent enforcing our existing laws more vigilantly. No tolerance regarding alcohol, using your cell phone whilst driving are great initiatives that have already been introduced in the Western Cape. If all drivers actually adhered to the current speed limits, there would already be a significant reduction in accidents. Efforts should be directed at the enforcement thereof.
As for blue lights……I could not a agree more. It should be banned nationally!
LadyMartha
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