Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 75 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations across the province on the weekend of 7 to 10 August 2020, and 7 786 vehicles were stopped and checked.
A total of 112 speeding offences were recorded and 1 139 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R1 042 650.
Six vehicles were impounded and 17 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.
The highest speeds recorded were as follows:
A total of 26 charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the value of R39 500 were issued. Three arrests were made for the transportation of liquor and tobacco.
National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act
A total of 11 arrests were made for the following offences:
A total of 7 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 16 fatalities were recorded:
Comparison of Women's Day long weekend fatalities – 2019 and 2020 | |||
Road user | 2019 | 2020 | variance |
Driver | 3 | 6 | +3 |
Motorcycle pillion | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Motorcyclist | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Passenger | 0 | 8 | +8 |
Pedestrian | 6 | 2 | -4 |
Total | 14 | 16 | +2 |
As the National State of Disaster Regulations are systematically relaxed, including intra-provincial travel being permitted, we expect more motorists to return to the roads. Over the past long weekend, we saw an increase in the movement of people to various inland and coastal destinations. It is unfortunate that we also saw a high number of crashes and fatalities on our roads, mainly caused by certain motorists showing no respect for other road users.
We appeal to all road users to give law enforcement personnel their full cooperation during this challenging period. We will continue to stringently apply the rules of the road. We will take firm and decisive action against the irresponsible and safeguard the lives of the innocent. In addition to ensuring that your motor vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before you leave, please plan your trip. Allow enough travelling time to reach your destination safely, including rest stops along the way.
Let us share the road safely and considerately.
Jandré Bakker
Head of Communication
Department of Transport and Public Works
Email: Jandre.Bakker@westerncape.gov.za