Minister Carlisle Slams "Slap on the Wrist" for Speeding Bikers

Robin Carlisle, Western Cape Government Minister for Transport and Public Works, has slammed what he calls "a slap on the wrist" for three bikers caught speeding at 181km/h, 201km/h and 223km/h respectively on the N1 outside Paarl on the afternoon of Sunday, 12 June.

The three bikers, one of whom was travelling at 223km/h with his 14-year-old daughter on the back, each paid a fine of R4 000.

"After appearing in the Paarl Magistrate's Court after their arrest, the three apparently decided to pay this measly fine. I am very disappointed with this fine, which amounts to a slap on the wrist."

"Although I wholeheartedly respect the independence of the judiciary, I am deeply concerned about the kind of message this sends to speedsters out there."

In a statement released on 14 June, Minister Carlisle said that the three bikers' licences should be taken away and they should serve a jail term.

"The guy that was travelling at 223km/h with his 14-year-old daughter on the back of his bike should never be allowed to drive anything other than a wheelbarrow for the rest of his natural life. He is unfit to operate a bicycle, motorcycle, motor car, or anything else allowed on our roads," said Minister Carlisle at the time.