Transport has various modes and each of these are governed by their own legislation, authorities and systems. This governance is generally based on global practises and the City of Cape Town follows these practises in respect of emergency preparedness and response efforts.

An overview of the disaster risk management for each of the transport modes is as follows:


Aircraft

There is a relatively low risk of an aircraft incident occurrence in Cape Town due to the extensive aviation safety programmes, including risk prevention and risk mitigation initiatives, which are part of this global industry. In addition, integrated risk reduction, preparedness, emergency planning, monitoring (including air traffic management) and response plans and resources are in place in Cape Town to deal with any type of aircraft incident.


Rail

Integrated safety programmes are also in place for the railway systems in Cape Town, involving the rail operators PRASA / MetroRail and Transnet Rail Freight. They are supported by the identified role-players in dealing with risk mitigation, preparedness, emergency planning and response plans, and resources are in place to deal with any type of rail incident. Rail commuters are requested to assist role-players in their undertaking of these safety programmes.


Road traffic

Continuous road safety and traffic monitoring campaigns are being conducted by the various road traffic components in Cape Town and emergency resources and response plans are in place to deal with any type of road traffic incident occurrence. As the road traffic incident risk is still very high due to the large number of incidents occurring on our roads, all road users in Cape Town are urged to assist in road safety efforts by following safe driving habits and co-operation with the traffic authorities at all times. Obeying road laws at all times will result in a significant reduction in the number of road incidents which result in so many deaths, injuries and economic impact.


Shipping

There have been some shipping losses in the seas off Cape Town over the years. Modern technology and extensive maritime safety programmes, including risk prevention and risk mitigation initiatives, which are part of this global industry, now ensure that there is a relatively low risk of a shipping incident occurrence in the waters around Cape Town. Integrated risk reduction, preparedness, emergency planning, monitoring (especially during times of inclement weather and high seas) and response plans and resources, are in place by the different role-players in Cape Town to deal with any type of shipping incident. National Government Departments will be the primary role-players off-shore, with the Municipal Services assisting with logistical support. Marine and coastal oil spills may be a consequential hazard of any shipping incident, and plans and resources are available to deal with this hazard as well.


Aerial cableway

There is a relatively low risk of an aerial cableway incident occurrence for the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway in Cape Town due to the extensive safety programmes, including risk prevention and risk mitigation initiatives, undertaken by the operators. Integrated risk reduction, preparedness, emergency planning, monitoring (especially during times of high-frequency operations) and response plans and resources, are in place by the different role-players to deal with any type of incident.

By drafting your own Family Emergency Plan and identifying all your risks, including those hazards affecting your own environment, you can make a positive contribution to preparedness.