the monitor

Cameras watching: Drive safely or pay the price

The message to motorists in Gaborone and surrounding areas could not be clearer. With the publication of the new road traffic regulations, the era of relying on chance to escape prosecution for poor driving is coming to an end.

A network of high-tech cameras is now live, and they will be watching motorists every move behind the wheel. For the safety of everyone on the roads, drivers must take this wake-up call seriously or be prepared to face the consequences. These are not just speed traps. The new detecting devices are sophisticated. They will catch you running a red light, speeding, or driving an unregistered vehicle. They will spot the driver who is not wearing a seatbelt and, crucially, the individual using a mobile phone whilst driving.

With road accidents claiming far too many lives, this technology is a necessary tool to enforce discipline. The message to drivers is simple: obey the law, or pay the fine.

Editor's Comment
Our digital safety is in our hands

That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...

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