Question NW2618 to the Minister of Transport

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07 September 2017 - NW2618

Profile picture: Alberts, Mr ADW

Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)Whether there is any obligation on any of the airports under control of the Airports Company of South Africa to close the roads running alongside the airport; if not, why the management of the O R Tambo International Airport has decided to close the roads that run alongside the airport; if so, (2) whether all airports are affected by this; if not, (a) why not, (b) what is the extent of the obligation on each airport so affected, (c) when the obligation needs to be implemented and (d) what are the reasons for this; (3) on what legal grounds is the obligation founded?

Reply:

Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited (ACSA)

1. The main object of Airports Company South Africa is the acquisition, establishment, development, provision, maintenance, management, control or operation of any airport of facility or service normally relating to the functioning of an airport. In executing this responsibility, the Airports Company is charged with the ensuring safety and security at all its airports. The frontage roads (upper and lower roadways) at O.R Tambo International Airport have been identified as a risk in that it provides easy access for criminals and illegal activities that threaten the safety and security of our airport and its passengers and stakeholders. This road is governed by the national road traffic act and is under the domain of the Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality. We are in discussion with the metro on our position to restrict access to these roadways primarily to curb the existing safety and security concerns i.e. Cash in transit robberies, theft of passenger belonging and illegal touting.

2. Not all airports are effected. The risks and threat levels are significantly different for O.R Tambo International Airport. (a) Each airport will assess its own risks. (b) each airport will be responsible to implement mitigation measures to either control or erracate the risk

3. reastricted road access. This road is under the juristriction of the Ekurhuleni Metroppolitian municipality. The municipality is charged with this legal responsibility. The management of O.R Tambo International Airport has riased its concerns and suggested that the airport controls the access and egress onto the airport frontage roads.

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