Durban’s speed cameras are making a comeback
After a seven year hiatus, Durban’s speed cameras are finally making a comeback.
If you’ve been happily flying down the Durban roads without a care in the world (or a flashing light in your rearview mirror), your free ride might soon be over.
After years of legal back-and-forth, eThekwini Municipality has confirmed that speed cameras are making a grand return to our roads.
That’s right, the beady eyes of the law will soon be watching once again.
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For those not up to speed (pun intended), Durban’s traffic cameras have been out of action since 2017.
No, it wasn’t due to a tech glitch. It was a legal tussle between the municipality and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) over the contract of the camera service provider.
Things got messy, the cameras were turned off, and let’s just say, some drivers took full advantage.
In that time, it’s estimated the city missed out on a jaw-dropping R600 million in potential fines.
That’s a lot of unpaid speeding tickets and probably a few near misses that should’ve been avoidable.
Now, the Durban Metro Police Service is revving things back up.
According to eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana, officers are currently being trained to operate brand-new speed timing equipment.
So while the municipality’s not spilling the tea on how the NPA drama got resolved, they are getting ready to flip the switch on traffic enforcement.
So, what does this mean for you? Well, speedsters beware because the grace period is over.
Soon, if you’re caught treating the N2 like a Formula 1 track, you’ll be receiving a not-so-friendly reminder in your mailbox – in the form of a fine.
However, it’s not all about making money. Political parties and safety advocates have been raising red flags about the lack of speed enforcement for years.
ActionSA’s KZN branch called it “a reckless oversight” that has put countless lives at risk.
“Speed cameras are crucial in deterring reckless driving and holding motorists accountable,” said ActionSA’s Sanelisiwe Zuma.
“Without them, it’s been open season for speeding drivers, and pedestrians are the ones paying the price.”
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The bottom line? The return of speed cameras is less about punishment and more about protection.
It’s about safer roads, fewer accidents, and a city that values the lives of its people.
So the next time you feel tempted to floor it because you’re running late – maybe just don’t.
The cameras will be watching.
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