By Loxion News Staff Reporter
The Midvaal Local Municipality officially launched Transport Month with a powerful display of its Traffic and Fire & Rescue vehicles, showcasing its commitment to road safety, emergency response, and protecting communities.
The launch on 1 October highlighted the municipality’s ongoing investment in public safety services, reinforcing its promise to keep residents safe on the roads and in their homes.
Fire & Rescue Services: A Record of Excellence
Midvaal Fire & Rescue currently operates 12 vehicles across two fully equipped fire stations, ensuring full coverage of the municipality and surrounding areas. Their reach is extended through the Fire Prevention Association, which is supported by more than 70 firefighting trailers supplied by the municipality to tackle firebreaks and fires in hard-to-reach areas.
In the last financial year, the department responded to 1,435 emergency calls, consistently meeting rapid response targets — dispatching vehicles within one minute during the day and two minutes at night.
Beyond service delivery, Midvaal Fire & Rescue has also earned recognition. The team recently brought home 24 medals from the DragerUp Combat and Rescue Challenge, cementing their reputation for dedication and skill.
“Fire Services is one of the most important functions of local government,” municipal officials said. “Midvaal is proud of both the resources we provide and the commitment of the brave men and women who serve our communities daily.”
Strengthening Traffic Enforcement
On the roads, Midvaal Traffic Services is stepping up enforcement to ensure safer driving conditions. The department currently has a fleet of 28 patrol vehicles, with six new vehicles set to be deployed during Transport Month to boost visibility and enforcement.
Over the past financial year, 7,068 drivers were prosecuted for ignoring stop signs. Since July alone, 1,666 drivers have been charged for the same offence. In addition, 190 vehicle licence renewals were blocked between August and September due to unpaid fines — part of the municipality’s drive to improve road safety compliance.
To further ensure transparency and accountability, all traffic officers are equipped with body cameras, and every patrol vehicle is fitted with dash cameras.
Road Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Midvaal officials stressed that road safety should not only be highlighted during Transport Month, but remain a year-round priority.
“Our officers are here to protect every road user. We urge residents to obey the rules of the road, pay their fines, and work with us to create safer communities,” the municipality said.
