Cape Town boosts N2 safety with 44 new officers

The City of Cape Town has announced an increase in safety operations along the N2 freeway, deploying 44 additional Metro Police officers in a move aimed at protecting commuters and visitors along one of the city’s busiest routes.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the new officers would operate around the airport approach and other high-risk stretches, working in shifts around the clock.

“We are now deploying 44 staff, day and night, working in shifts along this highway, particularly focused on this stretch and around the airport approach. They will be deployed with immediate effect, and I think it will make a huge positive difference for all the hundreds of thousands of people who use the N2 every day,” said Hill-Lewis.

“Sanral controls a very important aspect of the safety on this road through their cameras, but we have had a lot of issues with these cameras not picking up when people are in trouble. When they work, our vehicles can respond within minutes. We have 500 incidents a month, and when the cameras are not working, it makes it difficult.”

Hill-Lewis outlined a new protocol ensuring that if cameras are offline for more than a few days, the issue is escalated directly to him, with the Sanral CEO being contacted if necessary.

“We can assure you that our cameras, more than 95% of them, are always operational. When a camera goes down, it must be repaired immediately to ensure safety along this highway.”

The 44 new officers are a City deployment, complementing provincial traffic officers already on the route.

At any one time, the number of officers present will rise from about two to four to 15 or 16 on this stretch.

The Integrated Freeway Management Plan currently deploys approximately 50 officers per shift across key routes, including the N2, R300, N1, N7, and the airport approach.

Provincial traffic provides 16 officers and nine mobile units, including four motorcycles, to support operations.

“Our firm commitment is that if you are in trouble alongside the N2, and if the cameras pick you up, there will be an officer there to help you in a reasonably short time,” said Hill-Lewis.

The mayor also highlighted that the City’s total investment in Metro Police staffing, uniforms, and firearms exceeds R300 million, excluding an additional R150 million capital budget for vehicles.

Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, said the additional deployment would improve frequency and visibility along all major freeways.

“We’ve had a freeway safety plan for several years, covering the N1, N2, R300, M5, and N7, but hotspots shift over time. This means a far more consistent presence on all these roads,” Smith said.

“From a policing perspective, we are putting pressure on our partners in the provincial government and on Sanral to reinstate barrier fences. Human beings are not supposed to be in the road reserve on a freeway, and we must restore effective control to reduce attacks and pedestrian fatalities.”

Smith further explained that the majority of freeway incidents are opportunistic and come as a result of motorists stopping to make calls, pick up passengers, or because of mechanical issues are vulnerable to crime.

“In the past year, 85% of the 2,215 incidents responded to by Metro Police officers on the N2 and R300 related to vehicle breakdowns, running out of fuel, or flat tyres. There were eight incidents where officers assisted motorists who were robbed.”

The City’s enhanced freeway enforcement, part of the broader Integrated Freeway Safety Plan, uses advanced technology, including automated licence plate recognition (ANPR), dashcams, drones, and body-worn cameras.

“Our vehicles can identify stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants, and other transgressions,” Smith said. “The cameras serve both a crime prevention and road safety function. Holding people accountable through fines is also a tool to change reckless driving behavior.”

The plan coordinates efforts with SAPS, provincial traffic authorities, public transport providers, and Eskom. The Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, welcomed the deployment.

“These additional deployments and increased patrols will go a long way in restoring a sense of safety on a critical gateway to our province and city. Provincial Traffic authorities will work hand-in-hand with City officers and SAPS to bring down criminal incidents affecting both residents and visitors,” said Marais.

The City issued safety advice for motorists:

- Avoid traveling late at night if possible.

- Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound.

- Carry spare tools and a tyre. Check fuel and tyres before leaving.

- Keep your cellphone charged and share your live location.

- Save the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) number: 021 480 7700.

- Do not stop along highways to pick up or drop off passengers or make calls.

The City has stressed that safety operations along the N2 will run 24/7, reflecting the increased risks during quieter early-morning hours.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za