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

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Seven DUI arrests on Western Cape roads since Monday

14 April 2016

Provincial Traffic Services arrested seven motorists this week for allegedly driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.

Since Monday, 11 April 2016, traffic officers have stopped a total of 15 047 vehicles in roadblocks across the Western Cape. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1 904 motorists. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Mossel Bay service area. At 1.13 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is almost five times the legal limit of 0.24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

Details of DUI arrests:

  • 1 in the Somerset West service area on 11 April.
  • 1 in the Mossel Bay service area on 11 April.
  • 2 in the Somerset West service area on 12 April.
  • 1 in the Mossel Bay service area on 12 April.
  • 1 in the Worcester service area on 12 April.
  • 1 in the Mossel Bay service area on 13 April.

A total of three vehicles were impounded for being unlicensed and/ or unroadworthy, two of them in George. The licences of 14 vehicles were suspended until they have been certified as roadworthy and owners have renewed their vehicle licences. The largest number of suspended vehicles (4) was recorded in the George service area.

A total of 941 speeding fines in the amount of R59 500 were issued. The highest speeds were recorded on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area (180 km/h in a 120 km/h zone), on the N2 in the George service area (141 km/h in a 100 km/h zone), on the N2 in the Somerset West service area (106 km/h in a 90 km/h zone) and on the N2 in the Knysna service area (119 km/h in an 80 km/h zone). These drivers face heavy fines.

Two other arrests were made – one for reckless and negligent driving in Worcester, and one for excessive speed in Beaufort West (170 km/h in a 120 km/h zone). 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  187 totalling R173 750 31 totalling R17 500
Vredenburg 19 totalling R17 750 24 totalling R10 900
Vredendal 67 totalling R67 650 40 totalling R18 100
Worcester 64 totalling R59 550 22 totalling R10 700
Swellendam 78 totalling R63 050 49 totalling R24 200
Mossel Bay 63 totalling R54 900 30 totalling R21 100
Oudtshoorn 9 totalling R9 800 6 totalling R1 900
Beaufort West 136 totalling R157 800 51 totalling R28 000
Caledon 42 totalling R40 250 15 totalling R6 900
Knysna 42 totalling R35 000 29 totalling R13 300
George 137 totalling R110 100 47 totalling R20 600
Brackenfell 160 totalling R188 150 40 totalling R25 100
Laingsburg 48 totalling R56 400 38 totalling R28 000

 

The Department of Transport and Public Works is encouraging road users to #BeTheChange that they want to see on Western Cape roads. They can do this by: 

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