TimesLIVE reports that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has appointed 200 points officials to help improve urban traffic flow in the city, especially at malfunctioning traffic lights during load-shedding.

The newly trained officials, some of whom had previously managed traffic at intersections for tips, without authorisation, started their duties on Monday. More than 100,000 applications were received. Councillor Mgcini Tshwaku, member of the mayoral committee for public safety said the city could not take in more applicants due to budget constraints, but hoped to increase the numbers later. “Under the JMPD’s guidance, we assure you there will be strict oversight and accountability for our points officials’ work. Our focus is to ensure traffic control in the city is in the hands of trained, authorised professionals from this point forward," he indicated. The selection process was stringent, with criminal background and fit-for-purpose screenings, Tshwaku said. Notably, among those selected were people who had previously taken the initiative to manage traffic at intersections, albeit without official training.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessLive

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