VOLUNTARY PUBLIC TRAFFIC OBSERVERS (VPTOs)

To be recorded as a Voluntary Public Traffic Observer (VPTO), please complete the attached application form provided and forward it by post to the National Traffic Call Centre at the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Private Bag X147, Pretoria, 0001, or alternatively fax it to 086 602-5928.   You can also record your interest to register via telephone at (012) 809-5300, (not toll free) or e-mail an electronic completed application or report form to ntcc@rtmc.co.za.

Once your detail is recorded and you are registered as a VPTO, you will be provided with a toll free number at which reports can be submitted telephonically. Recording your information to participate in this project is required in order to:

·         Eliminate possible victimisation of innocent road users and drivers for devious and/or unknown reasons

·         Eliminate hoax and abusive calls

·         Eliminate the need to record the detail of callers during subsequent reports etc, thus, as a time-saving measure

Details of VPTO’s are particularly required when calls may need to be followed-up on the provision of emergency services; i.e ambulances, fire brigades, etc in cases of indents and accidents

In this regard each report will be linked to the ID number of the Traffic Observer who submitted the report. Detail of Voluntary Public Traffic Observers will be kept confidential. 

Duties and Responsibilities of Traffic Observers:

• The participation by members of the Public in this project is entirely voluntary
  
  
• As a voluntary public Traffic Observer (VPTO), you will be required only to observe, record and submit the required information on the attached form
  
  
• A VPTO will undertake this voluntary task as inconspicuously as possible, for their own safety and security reasons, and will at no time be entitled to stop and/or confront a suspected or alleged traffic offender
  
  
• Persons registered as Traffic Observers (VPTOs) will not be compensated in any manner for this voluntary service
  
  
• VPTOs will not receive privileges of any nature and no special markings for their vehicles will be provided (for their own safety and security reasons)
  
  
• As it is not the intention of this project to provide a means of pursuing formal charges against suspected or alleged traffic offenders, no report submitted to the National Traffic Call Centre will be regarded as a formal charge and processed as such. Any VPTO wishing to lay formal charges against a fellow road user who committed an offence, must follow the normal procedures and approach their nearest Traffic Authority or Police Station for further advice in this regard
  
  
• The RTMC, any Provincial and/or Local Road or Traffic Authority, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Transport and the personnel of the National Traffic Call Centre do not accept any responsibility for any claim of whatever nature that may arise as a result of this voluntary participation by the public in the promotion of road traffic safety
  
  
• A VPTO will indemnify the RTMC against, and hold it exempt from any claims, all losses and/or damages of whatever nature, from any cause arising, which may be sustained or suffered as a result of acting and reporting as a Traffic Observer in support of improved law compliance and road safety
  
  
• By submitting an application form to be registered as a VPTO includes an undertaking not to institute any action or claim any damages from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), any Provincial and/or Local Road or Traffic Authority, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the personnel of the National Traffic Call Centre as a result of any loss or damage consequent upon or related to any action or actions taken as a VPTO
  
  
• Owning a vehicle or having a driving licence are not prerequisites for participation in this project. However, if you are in possession of a vehicle or a driving licence, please provide the requested information in this regard

.