Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 248 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the province in the week of 25 October to 1 November 2021, and 23 216 vehicles were stopped and checked. On 31 October, a man was arrested on the N1 near Laingsburg for being in possession of Mandrax to the value of R1.95 million and dagga to the value of R121 000.
A total of 305 speeding offences were recorded and 5 077 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R4 424 300.
Fifty-two vehicles were impounded and 86 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.
The highest speeds recorded were as follows:
- 161 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
- 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
- 124 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
- 94 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
- 90 km/h in a 60 km/h zone
National Road Traffic Act, Criminal Procedure Act, and Disaster Management Act regulations
A total of 51 arrests were made for the following offences:
- 26 x driving under the influence of alcohol
- 3 x speeding
- 6 x reckless and negligent driving
- 2 x goods overloading
- 9 x possession of fraudulent documentation
- 1 x possession of protected flora
- 1 x obstructing or hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his/ her duty
- 1 x assault of a traffic officer
- 1 x operating an unroadworthy vehicle
- 1 x possession of an illegal substance
Fatalities recorded between 25 October to 1 November 2021
A total of 37 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 50 fatalities were recorded:
- 11 x drivers
- 3 x motorcyclists
- 12 x passengers
- 24 x pedestrians
Members of the public who applied to attend the 12-month traffic officer training course to be held at Gene Louw Traffic College are advised to respond only to official communication from the College. The College has become aware of fraudsters sending out misleading communication and asking applicants for money. Kindly note no money is payable for an application. Only shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview. No shortlisted candidate invited for an interview will ever be asked to pay for the interview.
Be smart, walk safe
“When you are a pedestrian, always make sure that motorists can see you by wearing light-coloured or reflective clothing – motorists can’t avoid you if they can’t see you”, says Vigie Chetty, Acting Director: Traffic Law Enforcement. “Make sure that your children are visible whenever they walk near roads. Don’t let them walk near roads at night or when visibility is poor.”
If you wear headphones or earphones when you cross a road, you can’t hear oncoming traffic. Be safe. Take off your headphones or earphones when you walk. Don’t allow your cellphone to distract you when you walk near a road. Bring your full attention to what you are doing, especially when you cross a road.
If possible, always cross a road at a designated pedestrian crossing where motorists expect to see pedestrians. Only cross when it is safe to do so. Look left and right. Carefully watch how motorists behave when they approach a pedestrian crossing, even if the light is green for you.
Children will follow the example set by their parents, teachers and other adults. Set a good example for children to follow. Model good road safety behaviour for them to follow, including wearing visible clothing, only crossing where it is safe to do so, and not wearing headphones or earphones when you cross.
Don’t drink and walk. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your judgement. Find a safer way to get home. Of the pedestrians who die in crashes and are tested for alcohol, over half have been drinking and about 40% are drunk. More than three times as many pedestrians die in crashes on Saturdays than on Wednesdays. Young men between the ages of 20 and 29 years are most vulnerable.
If you are a motorist, slow down wherever there are pedestrians, especially children and people who seem to have been drinking. Be particularly careful on weekends. Pedestrians may behave unpredictably, for example, stepping out or running into the road without looking. Children may run into the street after a ball or a dog. Always give way to pedestrians when they have right of way.
If you drive a public transport vehicle, be extra careful throughout your journey. Never drink and drive. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and that your operating licence is in order. Ensure that you and all occupants are wearing a mask over their noses and mouths, and are sanitising regularly. Stay off the road during the curfew hours between 00:00 and 04:00.
Observe passenger limits – 100% of licensed carrying capacity for journeys shorter than 200 km, and 70% of carrying capacity for journeys of more than 200 km. Make sure the windows are always at least 5 cm open on both sides of your vehicle.
Be smart, walk safe #WalkSafe
Media Enquiries
Jandré Bakker
Head of Communication
Department of Transport and Public Works
Email: Jandre.Bakker@westerncape.gov.za