Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 1 – 7 March 2021

Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 1 – 7 March 2021

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 169 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations across the province in the week of 1 to 7 March 2021, and 21 817 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 284 speeding offences were recorded and 5 770 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R5 336 450.

Nine vehicles were impounded and 87 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

• 173 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 124 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
• 104 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
• 104 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Disaster Management Act

A total of 21 charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the total value of R72 500 were issued. 

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 38 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 19 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 4 x possession of fraudulent documentation
• 3 x speeding
• 4 x reckless and negligent driving
• 4 x goods overloading
• 2 x bribery
• 1 x possession of a stolen vehicle
• 1 x failure to comply with the provisions of the code of conduct for minibus-taxi operators.

Fatalities recorded between 1 and 7 March 2021

A total of 28 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 29 fatalities were recorded:

• 1 x cyclists
• 4 x drivers 
• 2 x motorcyclists
• 7 x passengers
• 15 x pedestrians

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

In March, and in every other month of the year, traffic and road safety officers of the Department of Transport and Public Works will be hard at work making our roads safer. But road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether we use the road as drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists or pedestrians, every one of us should take personal responsibility for our behaviour as road users. Let us all strive to #BeTheChange we want to see on Western Cape roads.

Nine vehicles were impounded this week and 87 were discontinued for unroadworthiness. Four people were arrested for possession of fraudulent documentation, four for reckless and negligent driving, four for goods overloading, two for bribery, one for possession of a stolen vehicle, and one for failure to comply with the provisions of the code of conduct for minibus-taxi operators.

“Round-the-clock traffic law enforcement efforts and safety campaign activities will continue across the province. We appeal to all road users to be considerate and comply with the law,” said Vigie Chetty, Director: Traffic Law Enforcement. “How we behave on the roads affects our own safety, and the safety of every other person on the road,” she added.

Nineteen people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol this week. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your judgement as a driver or a pedestrian. Take personal responsibility and do not drive or cycle when you have been drinking. Make other arrangements to get home. If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer and the officer suspects that you are over the legal limit, you will be arrested. If you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, you will have a criminal record.

A total of 29 people were killed in 28 road crashes this week, 15 of them pedestrians. Take personal responsibility for your own safety when you walk near a road. Don’t drink and walk. Don’t wear headphones or earphones when you cross a road. Only cross roads where it is safe to do so. Wear visible clothing, especially at night. Motorists can only avoid you if they can see you.

If you are tired, pull over and rest. On a long journey, plan to take rest breaks in safe places every 200 km or two hours. Take personal responsibility for your own safety and for the safety of others by never driving when you are tired. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted when you are driving or walking. No phone call or message is so important that it is worth risking your life, or the lives of others.

If you drive a public transport vehicle, be extra careful. Take personal responsibility for ensuring the safety of your passengers. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and that your operating licence is in order. Ensure that you and all occupants are wearing a mask over their noses and mouths, and sanitising regularly.

Observe passenger limits – 100% of licensed carrying capacity for journeys shorter than 200 km, and 70% of carrying capacity for journeys of more than 200 km. Make sure the windows are at least 5 cm open on both sides of your vehicle at all times. DTPW uses electronic systems to monitor public transport vehicles, drivers, and trips. The details of operating licences are available to traffic officers in real time. Tired drivers will be pulled off and made to rest before they resume their onward journeys.

Three people were arrested this week for speeding. Never speed. Speeding drivers risk the lives of the people in their vehicles, and the lives of others. Take personal responsibility and drive at a safe speed at all times. It’s the only way that you will be able to react to emergencies in time.

It’s up to you to make the difference. #BeTheChange you want to see on our roads. For more information see https://safelyhome.westerncape.gov.za and find us on Facebook and Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome.