Cape Town – The City of Cape Town has launched a new 24/7 tech-led Highway Patrol Unit equipped with Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) dash cameras and tasked with patrolling all of Cape Town’s main arterial routes on a 24-hour basis.
The unit will conduct enforcement and assist motorists who might find themselves in the emergency lane.
The unit will also conduct visible patrols and respond to incidents detected through the Freeway Management System cameras.
Vehicles assigned to the unit will be fitted with dashcams and ANPR technology, while the staff will receive bodycams.
The ANPR dashcam system can automatically track motorists with outstanding warrants, identify duplicate or cloned licence plates, alert them to stolen vehicles or vehicles that have been identified as having been involved in criminal acts, and more.
According to a City statement, unit officers will also be static on the N2 at Hospital Bend and Mew Way during peak hours to respond to any incidents that may affect traffic flow or public safety.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said: “This Highway Patrol Unit is our latest investment in public safety. We hope that this helps road users feel safer on our main highways. This unit also signals the first shift to a 24-hour traffic service operation in Cape Town.
“The activation of this unit is well timed as we prepare for the festive season, which requires all hands on deck to ensure a safe and happy time for our residents and visitors alike.”
The Highway Patrol Unit currently consists of 25 new traffic officers, four new senior inspectors, one principal inspector and two administrative staff members, with plans to double this capacity in the next financial year.
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said the unit has been conceptualised for many years but was delayed by the pandemic.
“I’m very happy to see the idea finally come to life for the benefit of road users and safer commuting. It will also be a welcome boost to our existing efforts to mitigate the risks posed by criminals on our highways. A dedicated Highway Patrol Unit is a best-case practice that is used in leading policing agencies around the world,” said Smith.
Cape Times