POLL | Do you think unofficial traffic pointsmen are helpful during load-shedding?

Speaking on Power 98.7, Fihla said unofficial pointsmen directing traffic posed a risk and they “endanger” the lives of pedestrians.

“If an accident should occur at an intersection where these people are controlling traffic, the city won’t be liable for damages or injuries.”

Fihla previously said the department can’t send traffic officers to every intersection during load-shedding.

“Our challenge is manpower, so we can’t have every officer at every intersection and every corner,” he said. 

“Due to our responsibilities when it comes to crime prevention, bylaw enforcement and attending to life-threatening emergencies, we can’t be at every corner.”

Tshwane metro police spokesperson Isaac Mahamba told 702  there was a plan to train members of the community to assist in controlling traffic during blackouts. 

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