Payday weekend sees Provincial Traffic Services arrest 77 on Western Cape roads
Provincial Traffic Services maintained a high-visibility presence across the Western Cape over the past week, resulting in 77 arrests for serious offences. Between 20 and 27 April, officers stopped more than 40 000 vehicles as part of ongoing operations targeting high-risk behaviour.
Traffic officers also conducted several pedestrian safety operations to keep pedestrians safe, stopping individuals from crossing highways where pedestrian bridges were available. A total of 61 individuals were stopped in Somerset West, 27 in Caledon, 19 in Brackenfell, 17 in George, 16 in Knysna, 13 in Vredenburg, nine in Vredendal, six in Worcester, and two in Swellendam.
Of those arrested, 58 motorists were charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, including 53 during the payday weekend. In a separate incident, a man travelling towards Cape Town was arrested for excessive speed after being recorded at 163 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N1 near Leeu-Gamka on Friday. A further nine men and one woman were arrested for possession of fraudulent documentation, including two drivers in Grabouw on Friday who could not provide legal documentation.
In another case, a man was arrested on Saturday at the N7 Vissershok Weighbridge for defeating the ends of justice after allegedly failing to stop and continuing to drive at high speed despite repeated attempts by officers to pull him over. Also on Saturday, a man was arrested in Knysna for refusing to provide a blood or breath specimen after being suspected of driving under the influence.
“The fact that so many motorists spent the weekend behind bars for drinking and driving shows that too many still choose to put lives at risk. Every arrest may have prevented a crash, injury or death. While our traffic officers continue to enforce the law, road safety starts with personal responsibility. By slowing down and staying sober, we can help protect lives on our roads,” said Isaac Sileku, Western Cape Minister of Mobility.
Tragically, 25 crashes were recorded during the reporting period, resulting in 27 fatalities. Of these, 16 were pedestrians, 5 passengers, 3 motorcyclists, and 3 drivers.
Enforcement outcomes
- 11 807 fines issued for driver and vehicle fitness offences
- 21 vehicles impounded
- 176 unroadworthy vehicles removed from service
- 354 speeding offences recorded
Every intervention, from roadside checks to arrests, helps make roads safer. Residents and visitors are urged to follow the rules of the road, avoid driving under the influence, and stay alert, especially in areas with high pedestrian activity.
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Media Enquiries
Byron La Hoe
Acting Media Liaison Officer to Minister Isaac Sileku
Western Cape Mobility Department
Email: Byron.laHoe@westerncape.gov.za