Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations | Western Cape Government

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Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations

18 January 2021

Media Release by Bonginkosi Madikizela, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works

11 to 17 January 2021

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 242 integrated roadblock, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the province in the week of 11 to 17 January 2021, and 25 255 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 373 speeding offences were recorded and 5 357 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R5 117 450.

Ten vehicles were impounded and 87 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

  • 161 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
  • 145 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
  • 119 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
  • 104 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
  • 84 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Disaster Management Act

A total of 289 charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the total value of R598 300 were issued. 

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 17 arrests were made for the following offences:

  • 3 x driving under the influence of alcohol
  • 5 x fraudulent documentation
  • 4 x speeding
  • 1 x reckless and negligent driving
  • 1 x failing to furnish information
  • 1 x numberplate not applicable
  • 1 x operating an unroadworthy vehicle
  • 1 x possession of illegal substance (tik, Mandrax, dagga, liquor)

Fatalities recorded between 11 to 17 January 2021

A total of 11 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 12 fatalities were recorded:

  • 1 x cyclist 
  • 4 x passenger
  • 5 x pedestrian
  • 2 x motorcyclist                                                    

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

If you are planning to travel over the festive season, please make sure you stay safe by wearing your mask over your nose and mouth at all times when out in any public transport vehicle, whether it is a minibus, a bus, a train, or an aircraft.

Please also make sure the windows of any minibus, bus or train you travel in are open 5cm on both sides of the vehicle. Use the free USSD code *134*234# to report on public transport compliance with safety measures. Sanitise or wash your hands regularly. When you arrive at your destination, avoid the three Cs – crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined spaces.

If you are planning a long road trip, have your lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, shock absorbers and tyres checked for faults. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you leave. Plan your trip so that you have a rest break every 200 km or every two hours. Do not drive in the emergency lane unless the road ahead is clear for at least 150 m. Never overtake on a blind rise or on a solid line. Never drink and drive. Even small amounts of alcohol can slow down your response in an emergency. Keep your eyes on the road. Do not touch or look at cell phones and other electronic gadgets when you are driving.

A total of 12 people were killed this week in 11 crashes, five of them pedestrians. Whether we are driving, cycling or walking, we must all abide by all road safety precautions to stay safe and develop a strong safety culture. Be alert and prepared for anything. If you are a pedestrian, do not drink and walk, wear visible clothing, and remove headphones and earphones when you cross the road.

This week’s operational achievements include three arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol, five for fraudulent documentation, four for speeding, one for reckless and negligent driving, one for failing to furnish information, one for operating an unroadworty vehicle, one for a numberplate offence, and one for possession of a prohibited substance  (tik, Mandrax, dagga, liquor).

Speeding dramatically increases the risk of a crash. It also increases the likelihood of death or injury because the impact is greater. The faster you travel, the longer it takes you to stop, especially if the road is slippery. Stick to the speed limit, and slow down if visibility is poor or if you see a pedestrian near the road.

Please maintain a safe following distance – a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead. Drive carefully, especially during rush hour and when visibility is poor. Harsh braking, accelerating into traffic and changing lanes improperly are all risky behaviours that increase the likelihood of a crash. Make sure you pull into traffic slowly. Be careful when you cross a traffic intersection, even if the light is green for you. Wear your seatbelt and ensure those travelling with you in the vehicle are buckled up.

Play your part in making our roads safe. Safer roads are everyone’s responsibility.

Media Enquiries: 

Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za