Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 197 integrated roadblock, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the province in the week of 28 December 2020 to 3 January 2021, and 21 471 vehicles were stopped and checked.

Snapshots of traffic passing Western Cape Average Speed Over Distance (ASOD) camera locations taken once a week since 6 December showed the following pattern:

A total of 706 speeding offences were recorded and 4 724 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R4 636 400.

Thirteen vehicles were impounded and 88 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

• 171 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 141 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 135 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
• 79 km/h in a 60 km/h zone.
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Offences under the Disaster Management Act

A total of 130 charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the total value of R239 000 were issued for offences ranging from failure to adhere to the curfew to public transport drivers on trips of more than 200 km exceeding the maximum vehicle carrying capacity of 70%.

Offences under the National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 24 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 2 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 3 x possession of fraudulent documentation
• 13 x speeding
• 2 x number plate offences
• 1 x drug offence
• 1 x bribery
• 1 x hindering/ interfering with/ obstructing a traffic officer
• 1 x failure to comply with a lawful order by an officer.

Fatalities recorded between 28 December 2020 and 3 January 2021

A total of 13 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 24 fatalities were recorded as follows:

• 5 x driver 
• 13 x passengers
• 6 x pedestrians.

A road safety message from the Department of Transport and Public Works

There has been a steady increase of active cases of COVID-19 in the Western Cape and certain other provinces over the last several weeks. If you are planning to use public transport, wear your mask over your nose and mouth at all times, whether you are in a minibus, a bus, a train, or an aircraft. Make sure the windows of any minibus, bus or train you travel in are open 5 cm on both sides of the vehicle. Use the free USSD code *134*234# to report on compliance with public transport safety measures. Sanitise or wash your hands regularly. When you arrive at your destination, avoid the three Cs – crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined spaces.

If you are planning a long road trip, have your lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, shock absorbers and tyres checked for faults. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you leave. Plan your trip so that you have a rest break every 200 km or every two hours. Do not drive in the emergency lane unless the road ahead is clear for at least 150 m. Never overtake on a blind rise or on a solid line. Never drink and drive. Even small amounts of alcohol can slow down your response in an emergency. Keep your eyes on the road. Do not touch or look at cell phones and other electronic gadgets when you are driving.

A total of 24 people were killed this week in 13 crashes, six of them pedestrians. Whether we are driving, cycling or walking, we must all abide by all road safety precautions to stay safe and develop a strong safety culture. Be alert and prepared for anything. If you are a pedestrian, do not drink and walk, wear visible clothing, and remove headphones and earphones when you cross the road.

This week’s operational achievements include 13 arrests for speeding, three for fraudulent documentation, two for driving under the influence of alcohol, one for bribery, one for obstructing an officer, and one for failing to obey an officer’s lawful instruction. Fines were also issued to long-distance public transport drivers for failing to adhere to the carrying capacity limitations of 70%, and to people failing to adhere to the curfew.

Please maintain a safe following distance – a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead. Drive carefully, especially during rush hour and when visibility is poor. Harsh braking, accelerating into traffic and changing lanes improperly are all risky behaviours that increase the likelihood of a crash. Make sure you pull into traffic slowly. Be careful when you cross a traffic intersection, even if the light is green for you. Wear your seatbelt and ensure those travelling with you in the vehicle are buckled up.

Play your part in making our roads safe. Safer roads are everyone’s responsibility.