The DA is calling on the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison to urgently finalise the appointment of additional provincial traffic officers in the province.
This comes after seven people tragically lost their lives on the controversial R31 on Sunday, bringing the total number of deaths on provincial roads over the past month, to over 20.
The department recently reported that there are only 147 provincial traffic officers appointed, as opposed to the 300 traffic officers needed to effectively and efficiently enforce traffic laws in the Northern Cape.
Of these 147 traffic officials, some have been seconded to assist municipalities with administrative duties and provide assistance to the Provincial Traffic Department, resulting in even less traffic officers on the road.
The DA lobbied for the filling of vacant funded posts of traffic officials as a matter of urgency, in recent portfolio committee meetings.
In light of October being Transport Month, the DA will request that the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature convenes a snap debate on the matter of road safety and the lack of law enforcement on our roads.
We will also submit parliamentary questions regarding the finalization of the establishment of a Provincial Traffic College, and demand a plan of action in respect of the way forward.
It is essential that, as we draw near to the festive season, all our roads are regulated by trained traffic officers to promote a safer road environment and save lives.