I extend my sincerest condolences to those who lost loved ones on the Western Cape roads over the past week, and wish those who were injured in road crashes a speedy recovery.
A total of 30 crashes occurred and 36 fatalities were recorded in the week of 24 to 30 May 2021. One life lost is one too many. I urge all road users to be extra cautious when using our roads.
Following the announcement made by President Cyril Ramaphosa last night, pertaining to Adjusted Alert Level 2 Restrictions, I want to reassure the people of the Western Cape that the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works has been and continues to be dedicated to managing the spread of Covid-19, through the close monitoring of public transport for as long as we live with the virus.
I will continue with our Covid-19 awareness and enforcement campaign and encourage travellers to follow the Covid-19 golden rules of hygiene for keeping safe and to ensure public transport operators and passengers comply with lockdown regulations.
Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services will continue to work around the clock to ensure all road users are safe and our operations will continue across the province.
During the week under review, Provincial Traffic implemented a total of 193 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations and checked and stopped 18 675 vehicles across the province.
A total of 225 speeding offences and 3 371 fines worth R3 008 600 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. Six vehicles were impounded and 59 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.
44 people were arrested for various offences under the National Road Traffic Act, Criminal Procedure Act and Disaster Management Act regulations under the Disaster Management Act during the same period.
We are heading into winter, and rain, mist and fog are already reducing visibility on the roads. Drivers are responsible for seeing and being seen. Make sure you can see pedestrians and other road users.
Ensure your headlights, indicators and stop lights are in good working order and that your mirrors and windows are free of cracks. Keep a safe following distance when visibility is poor, and drive carefully, especially when the road is wet. Take careful note of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
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Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za