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The Department of Transport and Public Works will be welcoming 30 trainees from across the Western Cape for a 12 month training course, starting on 3 August 2015, at the Gene Louw Traffic College in Brackenfell.

Part of the College’s accomplishments is full accreditation with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) as an official institution to facilitate and manage firearm training. At the end of the training, successful trainees will be graduating with a Further Education and Training (FET) Certificate: Road Traffic Law Enforcement.

The Department is aiming to continuously expand the number of traffic officers, in line with the growing demand for increased visibility to ensure stricter traffic law enforcement on Western Cape roads.

Provincial Traffic Chief, Kenny Africa, says the additional number of traffic officers will ultimately strengthen the 24/7 operational deployment strategy.

“This includes increasing visibility on roads, and enforcing legislation against moving violations, reckless driving, drink and driving, and seat belt requirements. Together with these new recruits and our partners, we can make progress with our ongoing efforts to reduce the high number of road traffic injuries and fatalities,” said Africa.

The Department’s traffic service has had a number of major successes in recent years. During roadside operations, traffic officers regularly confiscate illegal goods, drugs and illicit cigarettes, while simultaneously arresting those breaking traffic laws. Increasing the provincial traffic force will further strengthen the presence of officers to fight the illegal transportation of prohibited goods and to potentially improve driver behaviour.

The Gene Louw Traffic College has always strived to ensure that a professional and effective traffic management service is provided for the people of the Western Cape.

Issued by Western Cape Transport and Public Works