Results of Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations | Western Cape Government

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Results of Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations

16 July 2020

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

During the period 1 April to 30 June 2020 (the first quarter of the 2020/21 year), a total of 2 386 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed operations were conducted across the Western Cape and 145 503 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 1 213 speeding offences were recorded and 11 545 fines worth R16 189 600 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.

In the period, 11 vehicles were impounded, and 125 vehicles were discontinued for being unroadworthy.

The highest individual speeds recorded were as follows:

  • 189 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
  • 150 km/h in a 100km/h zone
  • 109 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
  • 84 km/h in a 60 km/h zone.

Charges under the Disaster Management Act

A total of 1 479 charges under the Disaster Management Act were issued in the period under review and fines worth R2 638 000 were issued. Details are as follows:

  • 888 x failure to confine oneself to place of residence
  • 5 x failure to confine oneself to place of residence during the period 20:00 to 05:00
  • 4 x leaving residence to walk, run or cycle
  • 290 x exceeding public transport carrying capacity of 70%
  • 151 x exceeding private vehicle carrying capacity of 60%
  • 72 x failure to present permit
  • 40 x non-permitted moving between areas
  • 7 x hindering/ interfering with an officer in the execution of duties
  • 6 x publishing a statement to deceive a person about government COVID-measures
  • 5 x transporting essential workers outside the permitted grace period
  • 3 x non-permitted long-distance and inter-provincial travel of a public transport vehicle
  • 2 x making a misrepresentation about a person infected with COVID-19
  • 2 x non-permitted transportation of essential service workers
  • 1 x convening a gathering
  • 1 x transporting non-essential service workers
  • 1 x bus operator transporting non-essential workers
  • 1 x person unable to produce essential services permit.

Arrests under the Disaster Management Act

A total of 408 arrests under the Disaster Management Act were executed in the period:

  • 369 x failure to confine oneself to place of residence
  • 16 x failure to confine oneself and engaging in non-permitted travel
  • 9 x hindering/ interfering with an officer in the execution of duties
  • 2 x failure to confine oneself to place of residence in the period 20:00 to 05:00
  • 11 x transportation of tobacco/ liquor products during the Lockdown
  • 1 x moving between provinces for a purpose other than a funeral.

Arrests under the National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 136 arrests were executed in the period:

  • 40 x driving under the influence
  • 28 x speeding
  • 22 x fraudulent documentation
  • 4 x goods overloading
  • 4 x reckless/ negligent driving
  • 4 x bribery
  • 34 x other arrests:
  • 1 x possession of state property – bullet proof vest
  • 1 x possession of tik during the Lockdown
  • 1 x possession of alcohol during the Lockdown
  • 1 x stolen goods
  • 15 x undocumented person
  • 1 x illegal possession of ammunition
  • 8 x possession of dagga
  • 1 x possession of khat
  • 1 x stolen vehicle
  • 2 x possession of mandrax
  • 1 x possession of cocaine
  • 1 x possession of abalone.

Fatalities recorded from 1 April to 30 June 2020

A total of 144 crashes and 163 road fatalities were recorded in the period:

  • 5 x cyclist
  • 31 x drivers
  • 1 x fell off vehicle
  • 1 x motorcycle pillion
  • 8 x motorcyclist
  • 42 x passenger
  • 75 x pedestrian.
1st Quarter Comparison 2019/20 and 2020/21
Road user 2019/20 2020/21 Variance (%)
Cyclist 6 5 -16.67%
Driver 66 31 -53.03%
Fell off vehicle 1 1 0%
Motorcycle pillion 3 1 -67%
Motorcyclist 17 8 -52.94%
Passenger 110 42 -61.82
Pedestrian 199 75 -62.31%
Total 402 163 -59.45%

 

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services appeal to all motorists who are returning to work to ensure that their motor vehicles are roadworthy. Apply the rules of the road, including using your indicators, drive carefully, never drink and drive, and slow down when the road is wet and visibility poor. Apply a general sense of courtesy when using our road network.

During the National State of Disaster Lockdown the statistics show that we have made many arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speeding, and reckless and negligent driving.

We will continue our planned 24/7 operations across the province to keep our road network safe, safeguard the lives of innocent road users, and stringently enforce the Disaster Management Act regulations.

The Department has a zero tolerance policy to bribery, and anyone attempting to bribe a traffic officer will be arrested and charged.

I appeal to all road users to give all law enforcement personnel their full cooperation during this challenging period. Let us share the road in a way that protects everyone. Let us all remember the golden rules of keeping ourselves and others safe during the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • hand hygiene – regularly wash or sanitise your hands for 20 seconds;
  • cough etiquette – cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or into a tissue and throw the tissue away;
  • mask etiquette – keep your nose and mouth covered at all times when you are in public or at work;
  • social distancing – keep 1.5 metres away from the nearest person; and
  • greeting etiquette – don’t touch anyone when you greet; rather smile, nod, bow or wave.

In closing, we bid a fond farewell to Kenny Africa, former Provincial Traffic Chief of the Western Cape, who retires at the end of July 2020 after 46 years of service. Kenny was well respected by many in the law enforcement corps, and was well known to many members of the public. His willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty will be remembered.

Media Enquiries: 

Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela
Tel: 021 483 8067
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za