Durban Speed Cameras Return After 8-Year Hiatus to Crack Down on Reckless Driving

After nearly eight years of darkness, Durban’s speed cameras are finally being switched back on – and not a moment too soon. The eThekwini Municipality has confirmed the long-awaited return of these enforcement tools, which have been out of action since 2017 due to a drawn-out legal battle with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) over the service provider contract.

With R600 million in potential revenue lost during the downtime, it’s not just about money – it’s about lives. The roads of Durban have become a free-for-all for speedsters and red-light runners who’ve operated with zero fear of consequences. That’s about to change.

According to municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana, “The Durban Metro Police Service is in the process of renewing its speed timing unit. The Municipality has acquired new equipment, and Metro Police officers are currently undergoing training for deployment in this unit.”

The silence from the Municipality on how exactly the legal wrangle was resolved raises eyebrows, but the end result is what matters: accountability is coming back to our roads.

Since the cameras went down in 2017, Durban has seen a worrying spike in reckless driving. Taxi drivers blazing through red robots, car drivers treating freeways like racetracks, and even heavy-duty trucks flying down steep descents – all with no enforcement in sight. That’s not just bad behaviour; it’s a recipe for disaster.

Watch: Overspeeding Trucker’s Illegal Overtake Ends in a Brutal Crash

ActionSA’s provincial spokesperson, Sanelisiwe Zuma, didn’t mince words: “This is a reckless oversight that puts countless lives at risk… Without [speed cameras], speeding motorists are free to violate speeding regulations with impunity and endangering pedestrians.”

And she’s right. Cameras aren’t just about writing fines – they’re proven deterrents. When drivers know there’s a watchful eye on them, they tend to ease off the pedal.

With the cameras returning, Durban could finally see a shift towards safer, more responsible driving. It’s time to restore discipline, especially in high-risk zones like school areas, intersections, and major arterials where chaos has become normalised.

Let’s hope this isn’t just a quick fix, but the start of a sustained effort to reclaim our roads – for the safety of everyone behind the wheel and on foot.