Pretoria - Western Cape Metrorail says the second phase of the (closed-circuit television CCTV) level crossing camera enforcement system will be extended to the Buttskop railway crossing in Cape Town, where a horrific crash happened three years ago.
Western Cape Metrorail Regional Manager Mthuthuzeli Swartz said of Wednesday, May 15, the second phase of the project will be fully operational.
The first phase of the CCTV level crossing camera enforcement system was implemented at the White Road level crossing.
The Buttskop level crossing made headlines when taxi driver Jacob Humphreys, who was convicted of murder, ignored safety signals and proceeded over the tracks, while taking children to school on August 25, 2010.
Humphreys overtook a row of cars and a train hit the taxi, killing 10 children, while four others were seriously injured.
Since the initial implementation at White Road in June 2012 (up until December 2012), a total of 1 379 fines were issued for failure to stop at the level crossing.
This year, from January until April, a total of 739 fines were issued.
“We are concerned that at two of our most notorious level crossings, namely Military Road (Steenberg) and Buttskop (Blackheath), incidents of errant motorists flouting life-saving signage have increased, proving just how lax the overwhelming majority of motorists are about their personal safety.
“Trains have their headlights on bright and drivers are obligated to sound sirens when approaching level crossings.
“Motorist must help us by being extra careful and cautious when approaching level crossings,” said Swartz. - SAnews.gov.za
