Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 12 – 18 October 2020

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 103 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations across the province in the week of 12 to 18 October 2020, and 11 316 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 190 speeding offences were recorded and 2 335 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R1 938 850.

Thirty-six vehicles were impounded and 78 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

• 160 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 129 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 114 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
• 114 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
• 94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Disaster Management Act

A total of 32 charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the total value of R91 000 were issued.

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 19 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 11 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 3 x fraudulent documentation
• 1 x reckless/negligent driving
• 3 x speed
• 1 x Bribery

Fatalities recorded between 12 and 18 October 2020

A total of 29 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 40 fatalities were recorded:

• 3 x drivers 
• 1 x motorcyclist
• 1 x motorcycle pillion
• 17 x passengers
• 18 x pedestrians

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

During the past week, our officers focused on moving violations, driver and vehicle fitness, seatbelt usage by all vehicle occupants, and passenger overloading. A large number of non-compliant drivers were charged for these offences.

In addition to the focus areas prioritised above, this week’s operational achievements also include a number of arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol, firm action in respect of unroadworthy motor vehicles, the impoundment of public transport vehicles, action on speed violations, and action on driver and vehicle documentation, goods overloading, and passenger overloading.

Despite the efforts put in place at all integrated operational activities and effective deployment on all major routes, the number of road crashes and fatalities were extremely high this week, especially pedestrians and passengers.

“This is a huge setback after the Western Cape recorded a lower rate of road fatalities during the 2019 festive season and the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Minister of Transport and Public Works Bonginkosi Madikizela. “It is very disturbing that so many people have lost their lives on the road during October Transport Month. Road safety remains one of the strategic focus areas for my period in office. I send my sincere condolences to the families of the bereaved and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” he added.

This is an urgent appeal to pedestrians and passengers to safeguard themselves as road users. The responsibility for your own safety always starts with you. We appeal to drivers to please make the best choices on the road to protect their own safety and that of their loved ones. Keep to the speed limit, exercise responsible driver behaviour, adhere to your vehicle’s licensed occupant capacity, and remain sober behind the wheel at all times.

Let us be responsible and safe road users!