Fewer people are using their phones whilst driving. This is
according to the City of Cape Town who revealed that cellphone impounds dropped
by 16% between July 2022 and June 2024 (5 260 to 4 4240, while fines for
cellphone-related offences dropped from 10 597 to 9 373 (11.5%).
The use of cellphones while driving is prohibited by the
National Road Traffic Act, and motorists can be fined. The City’s by-law also
makes provision for cellphones to be impounded.
Devices can be reclaimed once the fine and impoundment
release fees are paid. Those that are not claimed are disposed of.
COURTESY: CoCTMMC for Safety & Security, JP Smith, attributes the
decline to a combination of increased in-vehicle technology and greater
compliance from road users.
‘’The phenomenon of distracted driving continues to be a
challenge, but the downturn in statistics does suggest that some drivers have
stopped blue-ticking our appeals to not use their cellphones while driving. We
are also mindful that more newer vehicles come with standard features that allow
for hands-free use of devices, and that has likely played a role. We will
continue to enforce the law and make our roads safer for everyone, but this
status update is encouraging news indeed.’’
Smith, says unclaimed cellphones are donated to
Neighbourhood Watches. He says since June 2024, a total of 226 cellphones have
been donated to NWs in a number of areas, including Kleinvlei, Mfuleni, Delft,
Manenberg and Mitchells Plain.
‘’We’ve worked hard to find a mechanism for redistributing
the devices that are not reclaimed, and it has been challenging, but I am happy
to see some progress. These smart phones are especially useful for
Neighbourhood Watches to access our Trusted Partner App, which was specifically
designed to improve communication and coordination between safety stakeholders.
At our most recent mass information session for Neighbourhood Watches, we
featured a demonstration on how this app enhances incident reporting and
real-time response efforts,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for
Safety and Security.
Done by: Mitchum George
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