Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 21 - 27 December 2020

Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 274 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations across the province in the week of 21 to 27 December 2020, and 22 685 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 459 speeding offences were recorded and 5 015 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R4 456 400.

Ten vehicles were impounded and 81 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

• 168 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 139 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 124 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
• 99 km/h in a 70 km/h zone             
• 84 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Disaster Management Act

A total of 28 charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the total value of R86 000 were issued. 

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 48 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 23 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 4 x fraudulent documentation
• 3 x reckless and negligent driving
• 12 x speeding
• 2 x transportation of abalone
• 2 x dealing in dagga
• 2 x bribery

Fatalities recorded between 21 and 27 December 2020

A total of 19 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 25 fatalities were recorded:

• 5 x driver 
• 8 x passenger
• 11 x pedestrian
• 1 x motorcyclist                                                                             

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

This week’s operational achievements also include arrests for smuggling. On the R102 just passed the weighbridge our traffic law enforcement officers arrested a suspect for alleged abalone smuggling. A total of 276 units of abalone were confiscated with an approximate value of R168112. On the N1 our traffic law enforcement officers also arrested a driver of a Toyota Minibus for transporting dagga. 38 compressed bags of dagga was found weighing 563 kg with a street value of R1 126 000.

A total of 25 people were killed this week in 19 crashes, 11 of them pedestrians. While the figures are lower than the same period last year, our plea is that whether we are driving, cycling or walking, we must all abide by all road safety precautions to stay safe and develop a strong safety culture. Be alert and prepared for anything. If you are a pedestrian, do not drink and walk, wear visible clothing, and remove headphones and earphones when you cross the road.

There has been a steady increase of active cases of COVID-19 in the Western Cape and certain other provinces over the last few weeks. If you are planning to travel over the festive season, wear your mask over your nose and mouth at all times in any public transport vehicle, whether it is a minibus, a bus, a train, or an aircraft. Make sure the windows of any minibus, bus or train you travel in are open 5 cm on both sides of the vehicle. Use the free USSD code *134*234# to report on public transport compliance with safety measures. Sanitise or wash your hands regularly. When you arrive at your destination, avoid the three Cs – crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined spaces.

Play your part in making our roads safe. Safer roads are everyone’s responsibility.