City traffic officers spend a great deal of time looking for and prosecuting errant motorists. At most, traffic fines are issued and sometimes drivers receive a warning or have the offence they have committed verbally explained.

City Traffic Services has now come up with an initiative based more on recognition and incentive than reprimand and sanction – it will now reward the courteous driver.

”A courteous driver is one who unselfishly acknowledges the rights of other road users, including pedestrians, pedal cyclists and motor cyclists; one who shows self-discipline and accepts the responsibility for his or her our own safety and security while driving,” says Chief Inspector Merle Lourens, media spokesperson for Cape Town Traffic Services.

A few examples of such courtesy is the driver who:

• manages to travel safely during the rush hour without becoming angry or invoking the anger of other road users
• signals well in advance when changing lanes so that others can anticipate such actions and then uses a safe opportunity to change lanes without endangering other traffic
• slows down when travelling along the freeway to provide extra space so that motorists merging with the traffic from an onramp may do so safely
• ensures that intersections are kept clear in heavy traffic to allow other traffic to turn or enter the roadway
• acknowledges courtesy from other drivers, not by using the emergency flashers, but by raising a hand in acknowledgement
  

“We are nearing the festive season period and encourage all motorists, including visitors to this region, to drive courteously. We would like them to enjoy and benefit from our campaign, secure in the knowledge that the enforcement officials do see and recognise considerate and courteous drivers even though their focus is normally on those who break the law and endanger other road users,” Lourens adds.

Specially engraved pens and key rings, compliments of Cape Town Traffic Services, will be handed to those considered to be courteous drivers.