The City of Johannesburg’s Council approved a revised Security Access Restriction Policy at their last meeting on 27 September 2018.
This policy regulates ‘boom gates’ which residents associations manage to assist them to reduce crime in their areas.
Over the last year, the Transport Department conducted a review, including a public participation process of the Security Access Restriction Policy. This was as a result of a request by the Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba as well as requests from residents for changes especially as to whether they can use electronic devices such as remotes and push buttons.
“We had a very healthy process of public participation and I believe the revised policy will both make it easier for existing resident bodies to balance the security and convenience needs as well as the right of freedom of movement of residents and workers in their areas and also lead to increased compliance by residents to the policy”, said MMC Makhuba.
“We have introduced a number of changes both in the policy and the administration of the policy which will make it more user friendly,” she added.
The key changes in the policy include:
• Allowing resident associations to use automation such as remotes and push buttons under certain conditions. These conditions require that any automation should be actively managed through human intervention.
• Allowing pedestrian gates to be locked for certain hours at night when there is a proven security consideration;
• Requiring Public Safety (Emergency Management Services and JMPD) give comments on proposed applications before any City approval;
• Requiring road signage at the entrances to the closure which must indicate the period of validity of a Security Access Restriction;
• While the first approval of a Security Access Restriction only last two years in terms of legislation, renewals can be for a longer period on application by the applicant; and
• Provision for explanatory notes which will be issued from time to time to respond to changes in technology or circumstances and which can assist applicants in preparing their applications.
The Transport Department and JRA has produced new simplified forms for both new and renewal applications which are available on the JRA and City websites.
To inform interested residents of the changes as well as to explain a new process to apply for permanent road closures, the Transport Department will be hosting a Public Information Meeting on Thursday 15th November at 6pm at the Reception Room, Metro Centre.
Nonhlanhla Makhuba
MMC for Transport
City of Johannesburg
For media queries, contact
Tebogo Mogashoa
Stakeholder Manager: Office of the MMC for Transport
Cell: 072 631 3783
Email: tebogomoga@joburg.org.za
OR
Nobuntu Ciko
Deputy Director: Transport Systems Management
City of Johannesburg Department of Transport
Tel: 011 870 4508
