Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 15 - 21 February 2021 | Western Cape Government

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Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 15 - 21 February 2021

22 February 2021

Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 15 - 21 February 2021

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 227 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations across the province in the week of 15 to 21 February 2021, and 22 321 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 555 speeding offences were recorded and 5 778 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R4 978 550.

Thirteen vehicles were impounded and 86 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

  • 165 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
  • 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
  • 124 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
  • 109 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
  • 84 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Disaster Management Act

A total of 35 charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the total value of R38 800 were issued. 

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 36 arrests were made for the following offences:

  • 18 x driving under the influence of alcohol
  • 5 x fraudulent documentation
  • 3 x speeding
  • 4 x reckless and negligent driving
  • 1 x goods overloading
  • 1 x bribery
  • 1 x operator failing to produce records regarding drivers
  • 1 x driving or riding a motor vehicle without owner's consent
  • 1 x dealing in dagga
  • 1 x failure to comply with the provisions of the Code of Conduct for minibus-taxi operators

Fatalities recorded between 15 to 21 February 2021

A total of 16 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 17 fatalities were recorded:

  • 5 x drivers 
  • 3 x passengers
  • 9 x pedestrians                      

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

Motorists are advised to stop only where it is safe to do so. Over the past weekend at De Doorns, a motorist stopped to buy goods from an illegal fruit seller. The seller attempted to rob the driver who pulled off quickly, colliding with another vehicle.

While active cases of COVID-19 in the Western Cape are in decline, the pandemic is likely to be with us for a long time, and it is possible that there may be further resurgences. Wear your mask over your nose and mouth at all times in any public transport vehicle, whether it is a minibus, a bus, a train, or an aircraft. Make sure the windows of any minibus, bus or train you travel in are open 5 cm 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.

Have your lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, shock absorbers and tyres checked for faults from time to time, especially if you are going on a long trip. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you leave. Plan any long 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 17 people were killed this week in 16 crashes, three 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 18 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol, five for fraudulent documentation, three for speeding, four for reckless and negligent driving, one for goods overloading, one for bribery, one for an operator failing to produce records regarding drivers, one of using a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, one for dealing in dagga, and one for failing to comply with the provisions of the Code of Conduct for minibus-taxi operators. Speeding dramatically increases the risk of a crash. It also increases the likelihood of death or injury because the impact of a crash 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. Making our roads safer is everyone’s responsibility.

Media Enquiries: 

Jandré Bakker
Head of Communication
Department of Transport and Public Works
Email: Jandre.Bakker@westerncape.gov.za