Last week, 64 people were arrested by Western Cape Provincial Traffic officers on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. During the same period, 15 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in our province.
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In terms of Section 91(2) of the National Land Transport Act of 2009, I officially announce my decision to close Route B97 between Mbekweni/Paarl and Bellville. This will be effective from Monday, 26 July 2021.
My decision follows the publication of my notice in the Government Gazelle dated 9 July (Government Notice 416 of 2021) that Bellville and Paarl are areas in respect of which extraordinary measures in terms of Section 91 may be made. I have carefully considered all submissions in this respect, and after consultation with the SAPS, the Premier, and the National Minister of Transport, believe this to be the correct course of action.
Route 97 is currently the main cause of conflict between CATA and CODETA, who both claim to have the right to operate on the route. Despite ongoing attempts to assist the two associations to find a lasting solution, they have yet to do so.
Therefore, as of Monday 26 July, the following will apply on the route:
We can longer be held hostage by a criminal few who continue to undermine the interests of many law-abiding taxi drivers, and who threaten both the lives and livelihoods of our residents. I have sworn an oath to act in the best interests of our people, and will continue to do so, using every mechanism available to me.
The Western Cape Government will continue to work with the SAPS, and other security stakeholders, including the SANDF, Metro Police and traffic officers to ensure that commuters are protected.
Premier Alan Winde and Minister Mbalula have now both requested additional SANDF support for the SAPS, which has already drastically scaled up their presence in hotspots.
As a result of these efforts, we have seen no further incidents of taxi related violence, and Golden Arrow Bus Services are, as of this morning, operating 95% of its more than 1000 strong fleet.
I want to be clear that the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works will continue to offer the venue and the independent mediators necessary to assist these two associations in finding a resolution, and we join fellow citizens in urging these associations to put the best interests of our communities first.
I will also make an announcement over the weekend about travel arrangements for commuters in the affected route.
Last week, 64 people were arrested by Western Cape Provincial Traffic officers on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. During the same period, 15 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in our province.
On Saturday, 23 March 2024, the Western Cape Government (WCG) officially launched our Easter road safety campaign for 2024.
The Western Cape Government is offering FREE ten-point vehicle checks by qualified examiners from Saturday, 23 March to Thursday, 28 March at venues in Cape Town and Drakenstein.
It is with great sadness that I extend my condolences to the loved ones of the ten people – seven adults and three children – who died in a road crash on the N7 between Vanrhynsdorp and Klawer on Sunday 17 March 2024.