New hi-tech BMWs to combat crime

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GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The latest technology meets safety and speed in the 28 brand-new specialised BMWs that Western Cape Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie handed over to the Southern Cape's provincial traffic department on Monday 16 October.

Oudtshoorn received 11 of these vehicles, George and Mossel Bay were handed six each and Knysna five.

Advanced tech

The use of advanced in-vehicle technology will enable provincial traffic officers to be even more effective in making the Western Cape safe and reducing the number of road crash fatalities.

According to Mackenzie, these vehicles, that replace existing patrol vehicles in the fleet, have been converted and optimised for the rigours of traffic law enforcement on our provincial and national roads. "This enhances the safety of our officers and empowers them to make our roads and communities safer," he said.

The vehicles are equipped with in-vehicle technology, including automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras that interface directly with the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS); providing officers with critical information within seconds.

"This means that each vehicle expands our province-wide network of ANPR cameras, which monitor road traffic and enable the immediate detection of road traffic infringements, contraventions and habitual traffic transgressors," said Mackenzie.

This includes unroadworthy and unlicensed vehicles, cloned number plates, fatigued drivers and vehicles flagged by the police as suspected of being used in the execution of crimes.

Instant alerts are sent to the in-vehicle onboard device and the officers' mobile devices to enable rapid response and interception when required.

PHOTO GALLERY: 28 brand-new specialised BMWs for provincial traffic department

Some of the vehicles in the new fleet.

Push-to-talk

Another innovation is the integration of push-to-talk software, enabling seamless two-way communication. This system augments the traditional radios, which will remain as the bedrock of the communications system.

The push-to-talk function integrates with the existing in-vehicle technology, elevating communication capabilities and forming the foundation for potential integration with other emergency services.

The new specialised BMWs in the provincial traffic fleet.

Review of operating licence conditions

This week the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) of WC Mobility met with various stakeholders to unpack the current review of Operating Licence (OL) Conditions.

The review of OL Conditions responds to changes in the legislative and operational environments, and has been done to ensure that standard service conditions are developed that will make our roads and transport safer. The last comprehensive review of the OL Conditions was done in 2017. "While the PRE has the sole responsibility and authority to impose OL Conditions, we believe that improving mobility in this province requires partnership and consultation with the various role players in the space," said Mackenzie.

A draft of the reconfigured conditions has been gazetted for public comment. Comments must be submitted on or before this Friday, 20 October.

The draft reconfigured Operating Licence Conditions can be viewed here.

Provincial traffic officers ready to take charge of their new vehicles.

The group of officers who received new specialised vehicles with George Mayor Leon van Wyk (middle) and Minister of Mobility in the Western Cape Ricardo Mackenzie. Photos: Kristy Kolberg