Media Release by Daylin Mitchell, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works
A notable decrease in fatalities was once again recorded on overall provincial roads last week despite the higher traffic volumes resulting from many people returning home.
While every death is one too many, these latest figures represent a significant improvement as a result of the work done by our Provincial Traffic Services who conduct 24/7 operations on provincial roads.
While the number of road fatalities has decreased, I note with concern the high number of drunk driving arrests week on week. Driving when you have been drinking is dangerous, regardless of how much, or how little, you drink. Alcohol affects your judgement and slows down your ability to respond in an emergency. You are likely to drive faster than you usually do, and less carefully.
Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 310 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the province in the week of 3 to 9 January 2022. 39 698 vehicles were stopped and checked.
A total of 454 speeding offences were recorded and 11 685 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R11 445 250.
Fifty-one vehicles were impounded and 125 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.
The highest speeds recorded were as follows:
- 161 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
- 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
- 124 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
- 104 km/h in a 60 km/h zone
National Road Traffic Act, Criminal Procedure Act, and Disaster Management Act regulations
A total of 54 arrests were made for the following offences:
- 23 x driving under the influence of alcohol
- 4 x speeding
- 6 x reckless and negligent driving
- 12 x possession of fraudulent documentation
- 5 x inducing an authorised officer or peace officer to act in conflict with his/ her duty.
- 1 x undocumented person
- 1 x theft of property (copper cables)
- 1 x possession of dagga
- 1 x pedestrian arrest (source of danger)
Fatalities recorded between 3 and 9 January 2022
A total of 23 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 25 fatalities were recorded:
- 1 x cyclist
- 6 x drivers
- 2 x motorcyclists
- 7 x passengers
- 9 x pedestrians
As the province prepares for motorists to return to their various destinations for the beginning of the 2022 academic year and return to work, we appeal to all road users to be responsible, practise patience, avoid reckless and negligent driving, rest every two hours and be considerate to all road users and vehicle types.
I would like to use this opportunity to thank all law enforcement and EMS employees for their hard work during this very busy time.
Media Queries:
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za