I note with serious concern the high number of arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol and for reckless and negligent driving.

While I am very proud of the work done by our officers, it is disheartening that so many people are putting their own lives and the lives of other road users at risk.

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 247 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the province in the week of 10 to 16 January 2022, and 35 747 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 325 speeding offences were recorded and 8 688 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R10 238 000.

Forty-nine vehicles were impounded and 104 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

While these numbers remain unacceptably high, within the context of the number of vehicles stopped and checked it is a fraction. Again, while I am proud of the work done by our officers I must also thank our law-abiding road users who are by far the majority; you are contributing to make our roads safer.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

• 161 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 156 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 124 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
• 94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Disaster Management Act

Eight charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines in the total amount of R40 000 were issued under the National Road Traffic Act, Criminal Procedure Act, and Disaster Management Act regulations

A total of 63 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 17 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 5 x speeding
• 15 x reckless and negligent driving
• 3 x goods overloading
• 16 x possession of fraudulent documentation
• 3 x inducing an authorised officer or peace officer to act in conflict with his/ her duty.
• 2 x failing to furnish information
• 1 x failing to comply with a lawful order from an authorised officer.
• 1 x obstructing or hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his/ her duty.

Fatalities recorded between 10 and 16 January 2022

A total of 23 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 24 fatalities were recorded:

• 3 x drivers
• 3 x motorcyclists
• 1 x other
• 7 x passengers
• 10 x pedestrians

Schools in the Western Cape reopen this week and this was the last of the traditionally busy weekends for a while. We thank all those road users who supported us by abiding by the rules of the road.

I wish to thank each of our traffic management colleagues who were working hard to contribute to safer roads. A special word of thanks to their families who spent the festive season without these dedicated men and women.

Media Queries:   

Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka

Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell

Cell: 082 953 0026

Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za

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