Eleven motorists arrested since Monday | Western Cape Government

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Eleven motorists arrested since Monday

4 February 2016

Provincial Traffic Services arrested eleven motorists this week, including seven in the Somerset West service area, for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

Since Monday, 1 February 2016, traffic officers have stopped a total of 15 099 vehicles in roadblocks across the province. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1 410 motorists. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Somerset West service area. At 1.10 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over four times the legal limit of 0.24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

Details of drunken driving arrests:

  • 2 in the Somerset West service area on 1 February 2016.
  • 1 in the Brackenfel service area on 1 February 2016.
  • 5 in the Somerset West service area on 2 February 2016.
  • 1 in the Mossel Bay service area on 3 February 2016.
  • 1 in the Laingsburg service area on 3 February 2016.
  • 1 in the Caledon service area on 3 February 2016.

A total of nine vehicles were impounded for being unlicensed and/ or unroadworthy. The licences of 28 vehicles were suspended until they have been certified as roadworthy and owners have renewed their vehicle licences. The largest numbers of suspended vehicles (13) was recorded in the Somerset West service area.

A total of 1 625 vehicles were screened for speeding and 129 speeding offences were recorded. Speeding fines in the amount of R13 700 were issued.

The highest speeds were recorded on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area (152 km/h in a 120 km/h zone), on the N2 in the George service area (119 km/h in a 100 km/h zone) and on the N2 in the Somerset service area (101 km/h in an 80 km/h zone). These drivers face heavy fines and will appear in court soon.

Five other arrests were made – one in connection with false documentation in Caledon, one in connection with false documentation in Somerset West, two for reckless and negligent driving in Somerset West and one for excessive speed (149 km/h in a 120 km/h zone) in Mossel Bay. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

Breakdown of fines issued for various traffic violations

Traffic Centre Driver-related offences and fines (safety belt offences, overloading, invalid documentation and illegal use of cellphone) Vehicle-related offences and fines (vehicle licence, brakes, lights, tyres, number plates)
Somerset West 368 totalling R342 650 98 totalling R70 400
Vredenburg 43 totalling R43 550 19 totalling R13 000
Vredendal 74 totalling R67 550 21 totalling R10 300
Worcester 143 totalling R115 850 44 totalling R29 500
Swellendam 32 totalling R38 950 24 totalling R11 800
Mossel Bay 75 totalling R79 400 29 totalling R14 300
Oudtshoorn 5 totalling R6 500 4 totalling R2 800
Beaufort West 104 totalling R109 750 100 totalling R51 300
Caledon 13 totalling R15 300 21 totalling R8 500
Knysna 27 totalling R43 700 24 totalling R32 600
George 60 totalling R123 200 27 totalling R14 500
Brackenfell 239 totalling R290 600 27 totalling R11 500
Laingsburg 58 totalling R74 500 40 totalling R18 800


Help us to create booze-free roads. The simple fact is that alcohol and roads don’t mix. Drunk drivers put their own lives and those of their passengers in danger, as well as the lives of other road users. By taking the decision not to drink and drive, and sharing your decision with your family and friends, you can influence the behaviour of others in a positive way.

Motorists can make themselves and others safer by buckling up in the front and back at all times, driving carefully and considerately, and always remaining within the speed limit.

Follow Safely Home on Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome under the hash-tag #ShareTheRoad.

Media Enquiries: 
Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
Cell: 079 281 8570
Email: byron.lahoe@westerncape.gov.za
 

You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW