Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 16 - 22 November 2020 | Western Cape Government

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Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 16 - 22 November 2020

23 November 2020

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 48 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations across the province in the week of 16 to 22 November 2020, and 24 951 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 223 speeding offences were recorded and 3 775 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R3 497 700.

Twenty vehicles were impounded and 100 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

  • 159 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
  • 143 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
  • 115 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
  • 114 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
  • 93 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Disaster Management Act

A total of two charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the value of R4 500 were issued. 

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 42 arrests were made for the following offences:

  • 30 x driving under the influence of alcohol
  • 3 x fraudulent documentation
  • 2 x reckless/negligent driving
  • 2 x goods overloading
  • 3 x possession of dagga
  • 1 x possession of mandrax
  • 1 x crimen injuria

Fatalities recorded between 16 and 22 November 2020

A total of 31 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 35 fatalities were recorded:

  • 7 x driver 
  • 11 x passenger
  • 16 x pedestrian
  • 1 x cyclist

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

Thirty people were arrested this week for driving under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol and roads don’t mix. The safest option is not to drink if you plan to drive or walk near traffic. Crashes involving drivers and pedestrians under the influence are no accident. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tests on the bodies of people killed in road crashes show that, whether you are a pedestrian or a driver, your risk of dying in a road crash is higher if you have been drinking.

The consumption of alcohol, even in relatively small amounts, and then getting behind the wheel of a vehicle or walking, increases the risk of being involved in a crash. Alcohol impairs processes critical to safe road use, such as vision and reaction time. It is also associated with poor judgement and is often linked to other high-risk road use behaviours such as speeding or not using seatbelts. If you are convicted of driving under the influence, you will have a criminal record.

Two people were arrested for reckless and negligent driving and there were 31 crashes in which 35 people were killed, 16 of them pedestrians. Stick to the speed limit. Always wear a seatbelt and make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up. Be considerate to other road users. Slow down near pedestrians. Keep a safe following distance – at least two seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you.

If you are a pedestrian do not drink and walk near traffic. Wear visible or reflective clothing. Remove headphones and earphones before you cross the road so that you can hear oncoming traffic. Harsh braking and changing lanes unsafely heighten the risk of a crash. Make sure you pull into traffic slowly. Be careful when you approach an intersection, even if the light is green for you. Plan rest breaks when you drive long distances as fatigue can put your life and the lives of others in danger.

Twenty vehicles were impounded and 100 were discontinued for being unroadworthy this week. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you leave home. There were three arrests for fraudulent documentation. Make sure your documentation is in order and up to date. If you are convicted of fraud, you will have a criminal record.

Let’s all play our part in making our roads safe for all road users.

Media Enquiries: 

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