Cooperative Law Enforcement Planned in the Wake of Another Fatal Accident | Western Cape Government

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Cooperative Law Enforcement Planned in the Wake of Another Fatal Accident

17 September 2010

Following yet another tragic accident on the N1 stretch between Laingsburg and Beaufort West early this morning, Provincial Traffic will be re-visiting operational plans for this treacherous stretch of road.

It appears that the accident, which saw twenty one (21) people lose their lives in a head on collision between a minibus taxi and a truck, was directly linked to driver fatigue.

As part of the Western Cape Provincial Government's Safely Home Campaign, we want to impact positively on the behaviour and attitudes of road users, and this is not just limited to drunk driving and speeding, but also fatigue.

To this effect, Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement will now be extending these roadblocks at regular intervals between Worcester and Beaufort West, from 8pm on Fridays to 8am on Saturdays. Our officers cannot be everywhere all the time, so we are appealing to the public to take responsibility not only for their own safety, but also for that of all other road users, including pedestrians.

We had discussed this incident in the early hours of this morning, shortly after the fatal accident and in addition to extended law enforcement, it is apparent to us that it is time that the same measures applied to the long distance bus industry be applied to long distance mini bus taxis. In particular that long distance taxis be required to have driving shifts and to have two drivers on board at all times. Together we are committed to institute this in as short a time as possible.

With the holiday season upon us soon, we need the commitment and cooperation of all road users if we are to succeed in decreasing the very high rate of road fatalities. Law enforcement officers are not out to inconvenience or punish the public, but it is clear that stricter and more regular policing is necessary. We want to assure the people of the Western Cape that our aim is to save as many lives as we can, and we will do everything in our power to achieve this.

Joint statement by:
Albert Fritz
Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

Robin Carlisle
Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works

Media Enquiries: 

Melany Kühn
Spokesperson
Ministry of Community Safety, Albert Fritz
Tel: 021 483 3873
Cell: 078 887 7004
Fax: 086 602 9861
Email: mkuhn@pgwc.gov.za