Media release by Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Minister of Mobility
Last week, 76 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence in the Western Cape. This figure forms part of the latest results released by Provincial Traffic Services for traffic operations during the week of 6 to 12 March 2023.
Alcohol and roads do not mix. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your judgement as a driver or a pedestrian. Take personal responsibility and do not drive or walk when you have been drinking. Rather make other arrangements to get home.
Traffic officers will stop motorists suspected of driving under the influence. Motorists suspected of being over the legal limit will be arrested. The results of blood alcohol tests can be used as evidence in a court of law and this could result in a criminal conviction.
The Safely Home theme for March is #BeTheChange. While Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services and road safety officers are hard at work making our roads safer every day, road safety remains everyone’s responsibility.
How we behave on the roads affects our own safety as well as the safety of every other person on the road. Whether we use the road as drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists or pedestrians, we must all take personal responsibility for our behaviour as road users. It is up to each one of us to make the difference, and ‘be the change’ we want to see on Western Cape roads.
Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 6 to 12 March 2023
Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 295 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations across the Western Cape in the week of 6 to 12 March 2023, and 32 921 vehicles were stopped and checked.
A total of 8 070 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.
A total of 253 speeding offences were recorded. The highest speeds recorded this week were as follows:
- 154 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
- 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
- 124 km/h in an 80 km/h zone
- 109 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
- 104 km/h in a 60 km/h zone
Fifty-nine vehicles were impounded and 105 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.
Arrests
A total of 107 arrests were made for the following offences:
- 76 x driving under the influence of alcohol.
- 5 x reckless and negligent driving.
- 1 x goods overloading.
- 8 x possession of fraudulent documentation.
- 3 x bribery.
- 1 x possession of illegal substances.
- 5 x threatening or suggesting use of violence against a traffic officer.
- 6 x obstructing or hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his/her duty.
- 1 x resisting arrest.
- 1 x assault.
Fatalities recorded between 6 to 12 March 2023:
A total of 14 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 14 fatalities were recorded:
- 4 x drivers.
- 1 x motorcyclist.
- 1 x motorcycle pillion.
- 1 x other.
- 7 x pedestrians.
Listen: Seventy-six (76) drunk driving arrests by Provincial Traffic Services
Media Queries
Rebecca Campbell
Spokesperson for Minister Ricardo Mackenzie
076 783 2583