Four DUI arrests on Western Cape roads since Monday | Western Cape Government

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Four DUI arrests on Western Cape roads since Monday

18 February 2016
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Provincial Traffic Services arrested four motorists this week for allegedly driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.

Since Monday, 15 February 2016, traffic officers have stopped a total of 17 451 vehicles in roadblocks across the province. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1 698 motorists. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Somerset West service area. At 0.96 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this four times the legal limit of 0.24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

Details of DUI arrests:

  • 1 in the Somerset West service area on 15 February 2016.
  • 1 in the George service area on 16 February 2016.
  • 1 in the Somerset West service area on 17 February 2016.
  • 1 in the Beaufort West service area on 17 February 2016.

A total of three vehicles were impounded for being unlicensed and/ or unroadworthy. The licences of 20 vehicles were suspended until they have been certified as roadworthy and owners have renewed their vehicle licences. The largest numbers of suspended vehicles (6) was recorded in the George and Somerset West service areas.

Speeding fines in the amount of R27 200 were issued. The highest speeds were recorded on the N1 in the Beaufort West service area (191 km/h in a 120 km/h zone), on the N2 in the Swellendam service area (138 km/h in a 100 km/h zone) and on the R45 in the Vredenburg service area (116 km/h in an 80 km/h zone). These drivers face heavy fines and will appear in court soon.

Six other arrests were made – one in connection with overloading in Brackenfell, one in connection with overloading in Vredenburg, one in connection with false documentation in Brackenfell, one for reckless and negligent driving in Beaufort West, and two for excessive speed in Beaufort West (191 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the first case and 182 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the second). The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

Breakdown of fines issued for various traffic violations

Traffic centre Driver-related offences and fines (safety belt offences, overloading, invalid documentation and illegal use of cellphone) Vehicle-related offences and fines (vehicle licence, brakes, lights, tyres, number plates)
Somerset West 184 totalling R207 250 39 totalling R21 600
Vredenburg 33 totalling R33 850 12 totalling R7 700
Vredendal 75 totalling R84 700 49 totalling R26 700
Worcester 195 totalling R187 300 55 totalling R37 700
Swellendam 97 totalling R96 150 44 totalling R19 700
Mossel Bay 97 totalling R82 700 39 totalling R19 700
Oudtshoorn 11 totalling R14 650 9 totalling R4 500
Beaufort West 75 totalling R87 700 48 totalling R25 800
Caledon 33 totalling R31 700 14 totalling R6 400
Knysna 36 totalling R32 000 24 totalling R10 500
George 65 totalling R59 950 44 totalling R20 100
Brackenfell 231 totalling R239 450 53 totalling R28 200
Laingsburg 57 totalling R63 950 52 totalling R31 800

 

The Department of Transport and Public Works appeals to motorists to make themselves and others safer by:

  • not drinking and driving,
  • buckling up in the front and back at all times,
  • driving carefully and considerately, and
  • always remaining within the speed limit.

Follow Safely Home on Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome under the hashtag #ShareTheRoad.

Media Enquiries: 
Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
Cell: 079 281 8570
Email: byron.lahoe@westerncape.gov.za
 

You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW