Sometimes, taking a loved one, or a potential loved one, on a scenic drive and stop-off along either the Table Mountain or Signal Hill roads, is quite a winner. Romantics, be aware, the roads have now been closed to unauthorised vehicles, between 22h00 and 05h00, in an attempt to prevent crimes from occurring around these charming routes.

You know what I’m talking about: a glass of wine or some bubbly, maybe some snacks, pointing out city landmarks and gazing up at the stars – difficult to go wrong with that vibe, really.

The City of Cape Town’s Henry du Plessis has spoiled that vibe though, and announced that a joint decision has been made between the SAPS and Table Mountain National Park’s management to close the roads at night.

He explained that from now on, only accredited tour operators, who have obtained a night permit, would be able to access these roads after the 22h00 closures.

The Cape Times erroneously hinted at the fact that night permits may have been obtained in advance for people other than tour operators, but this isn’t the case.

The public: well, we’re going to have to park at the Kloof Nek parking area and walk.

The information had already been leaked to a neighbourhood watch team and Du Plessis was then forced to make an announcement concerning the closures.

Community Police Forum chairman, Henry Giddy, said due to “the prevalence of attacks again,” the mountain had already been closed to vehicles at night for about a week.

Merle Collins, SANParks regional spokeswoman, stated that the new initiative is “in the interest of public safety,” and as yet, nobody knows if and when the roads will re-open to the public at night.

The Tamboerskloof Neighbourhood Watch isn’t pleased either:

While this is intended as ‘a crime prevention measure’, it is yet another example of how crime affects everyone. Closing such an iconic site with such magnificent views should be considered a tragedy and a wake-up call to all to help put a stop to crime.

Tour operators can contact Table Mountain’s Kloof Nek visitor safety office on 021 422 1601 for more information.

[Source: IOL via Cape Times]