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Metro cops should do their work

Neil Campbell writes:

With the launch of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transport system and the closing of bus-lanes on certain city centre roads, the lack of enforcement of the traffic laws by the Metro police has been highlighted.
While travelling north on Sauer Street one morning at 8.08am, I noted that it was considered normal for motorists to enter intersections despite there being no space available in the road ahead. This gridlocks the city and if one should be so law-abiding as to leave an intersection free, the space created is rapidly filled by two or three taxis.

There were no Metro police visible until the intersection with Market Street where a Metro police vehicle, registration number WJZ 412GP, added to the chaos by blocking that intersection. On turning right into Market Street alongside three taxis from as far away as the third lane from the right-hand-turn lane, I noticed the offender park next to a second Metro vehicle, WJK 910 GP, in the bus lane.

The three officers from that vehicle chatted animatedly among themselves oblivious, or perhaps unconcerned, by the confusion reigning around them.

They could have sorted out at least five intersections but preferred to shun their duties. These employees find it easy to draw their salaries without having to earn them as they are apparently never supervised or called to account.

I call on the Metro police to initiate an inquiry into such behaviour. I will be happy to testify.

Published on August 21, 2009 at 12:50 pm