This was in celebration of Global Road Safety Week last week. Parking bays and other important designated signs were refurbished and repainted to make it easier to be identified.

Community members with staff of the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, and the Madibeng Municipality.

Departmental spokesperson Oshebeng Koonyaditse on Friday said accessing public places as a pedestrian, passenger, or motorist is very challenging for people with disabilities, and they need to be extra cautious.

Bojanala District Municipality's Sipho Maduna, says highlighting the plight of the vulnerable people in society is part of the road safety education which is aimed at influencing road user behavior.

Places identified for repainting included the Behrens taxi rank.

"Through this campaign, we have lobbied our social partners to raise awareness and educate people on being mindful of others when using and accessing the roads. We believe this initiative will have a better impact on reducing road accidents and fatalities," said Maduna.

Places identified for repainting are the Brits Police station, Behrens taxi rank, local schools, clinics, and social services.

Veronica Baloyi, who is paraplegic and has been driving for most of her life, says the most challenging thing is that at times the central business district area gets busier, and parking becomes limited.

Drivers often claim they didn't see designated parking bays because of worn road signs.

"Repainting will help as other drivers often claim they don't see designated parking bays, as such I believe this intervention will help with compliance with the law," said Baloyi.

The Global Road Safety Week is a biannual seven days set aside in May, to focus on awareness about road safety and the significance of taking necessary measures to prevent road accidents.

OFM News/Joba Matsheng