Minister Carlisle Releases "Average Speed Over Distance" Beaufort West Roadblock Results

Robin Carlisle, the Minister for Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape, has described Sunday's roadblock in Beaufort West, which used information provided by the Department's new Average Speed Over Distance (ASOD) camera technology on the R61/Aberdeen Road, as an exciting indication of what is possible.

The minister helped man the roadblock after officially launching what is the longest ASOD system in the world at the Provincial Traffic Centre outside Beaufort West on Sunday afternoon.

A total of 36 fines were issued between 16:00 and 20:00. Of these, 16 were issued for speeding, ten of which were given to minibus taxi drivers, the fastest of which clocked an average speed of 126 km/h over the 71.6 km stretch of road.

"The fastest light motor vehicle recorded an average speed of 145 km/h. In addition, one bus driver was fined for speeding after he averaged 113 km/h," Minister Carlisle said.

Light motor vehicles may travel at a maximum speed of 120 km/h, while for minibus taxis and buses the speed is 100 km/h and trucks may not exceed 80 km/h.

Minister Carlisle said: "Beaufort West traffic officials impounded three public transport vehicles for overloading, while two drivers were without a valid licence. A total of 12 drivers were fined for various vehicle defects and two drivers were arrested for falsifying documentation."

The ASOD network is the first in the country that relies solely on wind and solar energy.

"Our goal is not to make money from fines. Instead, we want motorists to slow down and get Safely Home, especially over the festive season, when traffic volumes between the Eastern and Western Cape increase substantially," Minister Carlisle said.

The 773 lives saved thus far by the Safely Home Campaign also translated into a saving of R2 billion for government, money that can be put to good use in other key service delivery areas.