Drakenstein Municipality on Friday (21 November) activated its coordinated festive season safety plan that places traffic management, crime prevention, emergency response, and water safety at the centre of this year’s summer operations.
The plan outlines operational strategies aimed at keeping residents and holidaymakers safe throughout the peak season.
With thousands of visitors expected and high traffic volumes anticipated across Paarl, Wellington and surrounding areas, the municipality’s Public Safety Department together with police and other enforcement partners, will roll out intensified road patrols, multi-agency vehicle checkpoints, expanded law-enforcement visibility, and strengthened fire, rescue and emergency-response protocols to safeguard residents and holidaymakers.
Friday’s launch was followed by the first multi-agency vehicle checkpoint of the season on the R44 near Windmeul.
The R44, along with the N1 and several other provincial routes running through Drakenstein, is expected to carry much of the region’s holiday traffic.
Traffic Chief Japie Cornelissen said officers were preparing for exceptionally high traffic volumes.
“We expect heavy traffic as people travel to and from their holiday destinations. Road surveillance and visible law enforcement will be a daily occurrence,” he said.
Cornelissen added that crime often spikes during the holidays, and law enforcement visibility will increase accordingly. Twenty new Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers have joined the festive deployment and will patrol public spaces throughout the season.
“Municipal bylaws exist to protect everyone’s safety and comfort, and will be enforced,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Gert Combrink, who delivered the keynote address on Friday, urged the public to work with authorities.
“Together we can ensure that this summer is remembered for joy and not tragedy. Let us commit today, a summer of safety where every child can play freely, every family can travel without fear and all communities can thrive. Let us work together to make safety not just a plan, but a lived reality,” Combrink said.
MMC for Public Safety and Social Development Avron Appollis emphasised the importance of undertaking an “integrated approach”.
“We cannot work in silos. The criminals outside do not work in silos. They also do planning and have their monthly meetings. They study our system, know the routes and where traffic will have their road blocks.
“To our LEAP officers, you guys are doing a great job. Whether it is in Paarl Mountain or the Arboretum, your presence is felt,” Appollis said.
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