Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 26 October - 1 November 2020

Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 26 October - 1 November 2020

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 98 integrated roadblock, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the province in the week of 26 October to 1 November 2020, and 19 244 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 381 speeding offences were recorded and 2 888 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R2 660 550.

Nine vehicles were impounded and 54 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

• 160 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 142 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 104 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
• 103 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Disaster Management Act

No charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act in the week under review and no fines were issued. 

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 30 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 14 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 3 x fraudulent documentation
• 4 x reckless and negligent driving
• 4 x speeding
• 3 x goods overloading
• 1 x interfering with an officer in the execution of duties, and threatening the officer with violence and insults
• 1 X possession of dagga

Fatalities recorded between 26 October and 1 November 2020

A total of 26 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 39 fatalities were recorded:

• 5 x driver 
• 1 x motorcyclist
• 20 x passenger
• 13 x pedestrian

A road safety message from the Department of Transport and Public Works

Provincial Traffic Services seized 30 bags of dagga weighing a total of 467.5 kg with a street value of R935 000 on the N1 near Laingsburg shortly before 03:00 this morning. The driver and a second driver were arrested.

There were 26 crashes in the week of 26 October and 1 November and 39 people were killed, 14 of them pedestrians. Slow down when you see pedestrians and other vulnerable road users to reduce the chances of a crash, especially when visibility is poor.

Fourteen people were arrested for driving under the influence in the week under review. Never drink and drive. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your judgement, slow down your reactions, and result in a potentially fatal crash.

A total of 381 speeding offences were recorded in the week, and four motorists were arrested for speeding. Speeding is a potentially life-threatening hazard. A speeding motorist has less time to respond to an emergency situation. The higher the speed of a vehicle at the time of a collision, the more severe the crash. Plan your journey. Allow for enough travel time so that you are not in a hurry when you start your journey.

Fifty-four vehicles were discontinued this week for being unroadworthy and nine were impounded. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and carry a valid driving licence when you start your journey.

Getting yourself and your passengers safely to your destination should always be your top priority. Keep 100% of your attention on driving. Do not use your cell phone or any other electronic devices while driving. 

If you are a pedestrian, wear visible or reflective clothing so that drivers can see you. Do not drink and walk near roads. Make sure you can hear oncoming traffic – do not wear headphones or earphones when you cross a road.

Let us share our road space responsibly and safely.