The city calling for jail time over washing cars in South Africa

The Buffalo City Metro is intensifying its crackdown on illegal car washing at the East London beachfront by seeking heftier fines, vehicle impoundment, and imprisonment for motorists who use these illegal car wash services.
The city has expressed concern over the illegal car wash operations that are attracting large and unruly crowds to the enchanting beachfront.
This unwanted activity is not only deterring tourism but also fueling an increase in criminal behaviour.
According to Buffalo City Metro spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya, the city’s main challenge lies in the deliberate destruction of our beachfront by motorists who are knowingly contributing to criminal activity by bringing their vehicles for washing.
He added that this has significant repercussions for tourism, as it dissuades people from experiencing the beauty of our beachfront.
Furthermore, it creates opportunities for crimes to occur and undermines the integrity of our road network infrastructure.
The polluted water often poured onto the road is causing it to deteriorate more quickly.
Buffalo City Metro authorities regularly arrest car washers for various crimes and confiscate their equipment when they patrol the East London beachfront.
They also fine motorists who bring their vehicles for cleaning.
However, Ngwenya points out that the prescribed fine of R100 per vehicle, as stated in the city’s bylaws, is no longer deterring drivers.
The city’s security cluster, led by the South African Police Service together with BCM Law Enforcement Services and Traffic, is therefore seeking to bolster its arsenal of fines and penalties for motorists who encourage this unlawful practice.
This could likely mean the city is looking for similar penalties that were seen in Cape Town in 2018 when the city was struck with severe water supply issues.
At the time, the City of Cape Town was issuing carwash operators and its customers, who had breached the city’s Water Restrictions Bylaw fines of up to R3,000.
However, repeat offenders could be summonsed and be liable for prosecution, resulting in a fine of up to R10,000 or imprisonment for up to six months or both.

Although carwash operators were the main target, the city issued fines to certain residents who used hosepipes, buckets, and other carwashing equipment.
Ngwenya highlighted the city’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with all stakeholders, including local businesses and community crime prevention forums, in order to address the issue effectively.
Ngwenya stressed the need to shift the focus towards car owners. “We are urging motorists to refrain from bringing cars for unauthorised washing, engaging in public drinking, and playing loud music on the beachfront.”
Both motorists and car wash workers and owners have raised objections to the Buffalo City Metro’s recent measures, highlighting the crucial role these businesses play in supporting livelihoods in a city where legitimate employment options are limited.
In response, the metro has announced plans to compile a comprehensive database of car wash workers. The aim is to facilitate their relocation to alternative sites, ensuring they can continue providing services and earning a livelihood.
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