Fourteen arrested on Western Cape roads this week

Provincial Traffic Services arrested 5 motorists this week for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol. This brings the overall total to 40 drunken drivers that have been locked up behind bars since the start of January 2016.

Traffic officers also arrested a driver, who was caught speeding at 180 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N2 in the Mossel Bay service area on 6 January 2016.

Since Monday, 4 January 2016, traffic officers stopped a total of 13 664 vehicles in roadblocks across the province. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1 759 motorists and 5 were arrested for being over the limit. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Laingsburg. At 0,66 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is almost 3 times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

Details of drunken driving arrests:

• 1 in the Brackenfell service area on 4 January 2016
• 1 in the George service area on 4 January 2016
• 1 in the Somerset West service area on 4 January 2016
• 1 in the Swellendam service area on 4 January 2016
• 1 in the Mossel Bay service area on 5 January 2016

A total of 12 vehicles were impounded for being unlicensed and/or unroadworthy. A total of 38 vehicles were suspended from using the road until they have been certified as roadworthy and owners have renewed their vehicle licences. The largest numbers of suspended vehicles (10) were recorded in the Beaufort West service area.

A total of 5 063 vehicles were screened for speeding and 337 speeding offences were recorded. Fines worth R47 600 were issued for speeding offences. The highest speeds were recorded on the N2 in the Mossel Bay service area (180 km/h in a 120 km/h zone), on the N1 in the Worcester service area (147 km/h in a 100 km/h zone) and on the N2 in the Knysna service area (108 km/h in an 80 km/h zone). These drivers face a heavy fine and will appear in court soon.

A total of 1 535 vehicles were stopped in Average Speed Over Distance (ASOD) traffic law enforcement operations and 59 speeding offences were recorded.

Another 8 arrests were made in connection with false documentation and minibus taxi/ public transport permit-related offences. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

Breakdown of fines issued for various traffic violations

Help us to create booze-free roads. The simple fact is that alcohol and roads don’t mix. By taking the decision not to drink and drive, and sharing that decision with your family and friends, you will influence the behaviour of others in a positive way.

All motorists can make themselves and others safer by driving carefully and considerately, and always remaining well within the speed limit.