Traffic Services Intensify Drag-Racing Operations in the Southern Suburbs

Cape Town Traffic Services is successfully targeting illegal drag-racing, focusing specifically on complaint areas such as Sacks Circle in Bellville; Klipfontein Road in Athlone and more recently, the residential areas of Ottery, Wetton and Wynberg.

After complaints of drag-racing activity in these areas, the Ghost Squad conducted special operations last week, on Tuesday 03 August and Thursday 05 August 2010.

Five motorists were arrested for reckless or negligent driving when they were recorded travelling between one hundred and thirty eight (138) and one hundred and forty three kilometres per hour (143) km/h along Ottery Road, Old Strandfontein Road and the M5. One driver was actively drag-racing at the time. Another suspect was arrested when he was found driving a stolen motorcycle on Prince George Drive near Klip Road in Grassy Park.

A number of motorists were also charged for dangerous traffic violations that could potentially lead to motor vehicle collisions, namely:

• Two (2) charges for inconsiderate driving
• Eight (8) charges for following another vehicle too closely
• Five (5) charges for participating in a drag-race
• Six (6) charges for changing lanes when it was unsafe to do so
• Four (4) charges for cutting in after passing another vehicle

In addition, thirteen (13) vehicles were suspended for numerous mechanical defects and one motorist was found driving an unroadworthy vehicle which had already been suspended.

A further three hundred and seventy six (376) speeding fines were issued and eighty eight (88) other traffic-related offences recorded, including charges for vehicle defects, disregarding red traffic lights and failure to wear safety belts.

"It is especially concerning to note that within our residential areas, drag-racers are driving in excess of speed limits allowed on our freeways," said media spokesperson for Cape Town Traffic Services, Chief Inspector Merle Lourens.

"Vehicles used in illegal drag-races are often illegally modified to increase performance, often resulting in an unroadworthy vehicle. Unroadworthy vehicles travelling at high speeds can have disastrous consequences.

"We are committed to reducing the unacceptably high number of accidents and will prosecute any motorist found drag-racing on our roads," said Chief Inspector Lourens.

Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town