A mint to be made for Ndlambe in fines

CANDICE BRADFIELD

NDLAMBE could make up to R5-million a year if it installed speed cameras in Port Alfred, according to Mfezi Traffic Management System, which gave a presentation to council last week.

Ronnie Trichardt of Mfezi reported that together with Ndlambe's traffic department, they had monitored traffic violations in Port Alfred over three days and on average observed 158 stop violations a day and 275 speed violations a day, 78 of which would result in an arrest.

Trichardt said Mfezi would install the cameras at no cost to the municipality and retain ownership of them. He said it will be up to the traffic department to monitor the cameras. Mfezi can issue the tickets but cannot accept payment, he said. Their fee will be R20 per ticket and R60 per summons.

Councillor Terri Stander suggested the traffic department come up with a report regarding their problems and proposed solutions.

Stander also raised concerns about the tender for traffic department vehicles being altered after they were purchased. She also questioned why each vehicle cost R221 000 and enquired about their specifications and whether they came with the necessary lighting and signage.

Finance director Howard Dredge said the reason for the wording was that only two vehicles had been procured as opposed to three until more funds becomes available.

He said this process was in line with supply chain management. He also confirmed that the vehicles came already fully equipped with lights and decals.