Results of Safely Home Weekend Traffic Operations

Media Statement by Dan Plato, Minister of Community Safety

A total of 22 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol this weekend at alcohol blitz roadblocks set up across the Western Cape. A total of 1 497 drivers were screened for being under suspicion of the offence.

The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Knysna at 1.23 mg/1 000 ml, which is five times the legal limit of 0.24 mg/1 000 ml.

A total of 3 874 vehicles were stopped at the roadblocks which form part of the Provincial Government's Safely Home campaign. A total of 1 011 speeding offences were recorded and 506 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.

The highest speed of 171 km/h in a 120 km/h zone was recorded on the N1 in the Brackenfell area.

Three men were arrested in three separate incidents this weekend. One for the illegal possession of dagga, one for the illegal possession of tik and the third, a pedestrian, for being drunk in public.

Tragically a man lost his life in a head-on collision on the N2 near Knysna on Sunday morning.

Speeding and drunk driving continue to be the biggest threats to road safety in the Western Cape and we cannot allow this behaviour to continue. During the summer months, we see an increase in vehicles on our roads and I urge drivers and pedestrians to follow the letter of the law at all times. Those who don't will face the full might of the law.