Season a model of good policing

THERE can only be huge relief – and kudos to the authorities – that the peak of the year-end holidays in Nelson Mandela Bay brought with it such a smooth running season.

It speaks volumes of what can be achieved through proper preparation.

From the intensely busy Christmas weekend through to the even more jam-packed New Year festivities, it was a relatively incident-free period with residents and visitors alike soaking up the balmy, relaxed atmosphere.

The fact that New Year’s Day, which drew a massive 300 000 people to the Bay’s beaches in soaring temperatures, went off without a hitch – save for a handful of lost kids – was no small feat.

There can be no question that a stringent clampdown on alcohol consumption in public places and the beachfront on this particular day – and during the summer season in general – attributed largely to not only far more congenial crowd behaviour, but also less recklessness which is so often the cause of injury or fatality.

As Bay officials have pointed out, the no-alcohol rule is nothing new – but it simply has not been enforced effectively enough in the past, creating the impression that drinking whatever and wherever you please is acceptable.

Law enforcement agencies working in conjunction with each other created a formidable peacekeeping team, and to have officers on foot interacting with the public was proactive policing at its friendliest and most efficient.

At last, the overused phrase of “zero tolerance” could be seen in action and the results spoke for themselves.

Let this past season be a reminder and model of what can be gained through combined efforts and a commitment to public order.

It benefits everyone who is keen to enjoy the enormous attributes the city offers and represents a tourism advert like no other.