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:
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:
Arrests under the Disaster Management Act
A total of 408 arrests under the Disaster Management Act were executed in the period:
Arrests under the National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act
A total of 136 arrests were executed in the period:
Fatalities recorded from 1 April to 30 June 2020
A total of 144 crashes and 163 road fatalities were recorded in the period:
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:
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.
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela
Tel: 021 483 8067
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za