Media Release by Daylin Mitchell, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works
I joined Provincial Traffic Officers during the province’s integrated roadblocks in the Central Karoo District over the weekend to ensure our roads and passengers are safe.
We are concerned about the increase in Covid-19 infections in our province, and I urged all drivers and passengers to always follow the Covid-19 golden rules of good hygiene to keep safe and to avoid the 3Cs – namely, close contact, confined spaces and crowded places.
During the roadblocks, I found that the level of compliance was satisfactory. Everyone using public transport wore their face masks and I urged drivers to ensure there is good ventilation at all times.
We unfortunately cannot predict what will happen on the roads but Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services continued with their 24/7 operations across the province.
During the week of 14 – 20 June 2021, Provincial Traffic implemented a total of 170 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed control operations, and stopped and checked 16 953 vehicles.
A total of 199 speeding offences were recorded and 3 028 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R2 864 900. Seven vehicles were impounded and 54 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.
A total of 27 charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the total value of R50 800 were issued. 35 arrests were made for various offences under the National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act.
A total of 19 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 26 fatalities were recorded. They include 5 drivers, 8 passengers and 13 pedestrians.
Most pedestrian fatalities occur around sunset, when visibility is at its worst. Pedestrians are responsible for seeing and being seen by avoiding busy roads when they are intoxicated, and by wearing bright or reflective clothing. Only walk where it is safe to do so. Wear visible clothing, especially at night. Motorists can only avoid you if they can see you. When you cross a road, pay careful attention to the traffic. Take off your earphones or headphones so that you can hear oncoming vehicles. If you have been drinking, avoid walking near a road. Find a safer way to get home.
I reminded motorists once again to rest after every 2 hours or 200km travelled. Plan your travel so that there is no rush to get to your destination. Please be patient on the road and be cognisant of other road users including pedestrians, motor-cyclists and others.
Media Queries:
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za