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

21 April 2016

Provincial Traffic Services arrested four motorists this week for allegedly driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. Traffic officers also arrested three drivers for excessive speed – two in Beaufort West and one in Vredendal.

Since Monday, 18 April 2016, traffic officers have stopped a total of 13 691 vehicles in roadblocks across the Western Cape. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1 171 motorists. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Somerset West service area. At 1.25 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is five times the legal limit of 0.24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

Details of DUI arrests:

  • Two in the Somerset West service area on 18 April.
  • Two in the Mossel Bay service area on 20 April.

One vehicle was impounded in Somerset West for being unlicensed and/ or unroadworthy. The licences of 21 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 70 speeding fines in the amount of R30 700 were issued. The highest speeds were recorded on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area (183 km/h in a 120 km/h zone), on the N1 in the Worcester service area (152 km/h in a 100 km/h zone), on the R399 in the Vredenburg service area (106 km/h in an 80 km/h zone) and on the N2 in the Knysna service area (86 km/h in a 60 km/h zone). These drivers face heavy fines.

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 222 totalling R215 300 23 totalling R19 700
Vredenburg 54 totalling R51 400 40 totalling R21 800
Vredendal 80 totalling R80 050 57 totalling R31 300
Worcester 176 totalling R184 900 50 totalling R29 600
Swellendam 90 totalling R89 850 49 totalling R24 800
Mossel Bay 72 totalling R74 700 36 totalling R22 400
Oudtshoorn 7 totalling R8 750 3 totalling R1 300
Beaufort West 62 totalling R45 950 38 totalling R21 700
Caledon 25 totalling R33 000 18 totalling R11 800
Knysna 48 totalling R42 100 14 totalling R6 000
George 98 totalling R73 600 55 totalling R25 000
Brackenfell 196 totalling R251 300 49 totalling R25 500
Laingsburg 22 totalling R22 800 32 totalling R11 800

 

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.

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

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