City Traffic Services Clamp Down on Drag Racers and Drunk Drivers | Western Cape Government

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City Traffic Services Clamp Down on Drag Racers and Drunk Drivers

6 December 2010

City of Cape Town Traffic Services held a number of successful operations targeting illegal drag racing this weekend, with a special focus on complaints received in residential areas such as Ottery, Bellville and Lansdowne.

During operations held in Ottery and Athlone on Saturday, 04 December and Sunday, 05 December, City Traffic Officers arrested four motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol. Another suspect was arrested for reckless or negligent driving following a high speed pursuit along Lansdowne Road. The suspect, who was driving a Honda V-Tec, sped down the incorrect side of the road in an attempt to evade officers, narrowly missing oncoming traffic in the process. His younger brother was in the passenger seat.

A total of thirty-three (33) unroadworthy vehicles were also impounded during the operation. Drag racers often illegally modify their cars to increase the speed and performance, usually rendering the vehicles unsafe and unroadworthy.

Officers issued one hundred and sixty-one (161) speeding fines, while one hundred and eighty-eight (188) other traffic related offences were recorded, including sixty-five (65) unlicensed drivers, forty-two (42) unlicensed vehicles and eighteen (18) vehicles without licence plates.

At roadblocks held in Fish Hoek and Ocean View last week Friday, 03 December, Traffic Officers arrested eleven (11) motorists for drunk driving.

"It is worrying that illegal drag racing continues to attract such large audiences. Drag races create dangerous environments where no provision has been made for spectators' safety. It is not just the drag racers themselves, but the spectators as well, who face the possibility of serious injury where the combination of alcohol, speed and recklessness creates a volatile situation," said Spokesperson for Cape Town Traffic Services, Chief Inspector Merle Lourens.

Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town

Media Enquiries: 

Kevin Jacobs
Traffic Services
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 812 4571
Cell: 083 264 9661

Chief Inspector Merle Lourens
Media Spokesperson
Traffic Services
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 812 4570
Cell: 072 200 1512