Traffic Services Step up Drunk Driving and Drag Racing Enforcement Operations

City Traffic Services intensified its campaign against drunk driving and drag racing this weekend by holding various enforcement operations in Athlone, Bellville and Atlantis.

On Saturday 15 January 2011, officers arrested 17 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol at roadblocks held on Jan Smuts Drive, Athlone. One person was also arrested for assault, intimidation as well as hindering and obstructing an officer in the execution of his duties.

"In the Bellville industrial area on Saturday 15 January, officers monitored a drag racing event that was allegedly 'advertised' in a local newspaper that attracted a crowd of some 3 000 spectators", said Chief Inspector Merle Lourens, media spokesperson for Cape Town Traffic Services.

Seventy traffic-related offences were recorded here and five cars were suspended because of illegal modifications made to increase the performance and speed of the vehicles. Sixteen unlicensed drivers were also fined.

In Atlantis on Sunday 16 January, a total of 164 traffic-related offences were recorded including:

• Three drivers arrested for drunk driving
• 28 unroadworthy vehicles suspended
• 43 unlicensed drivers fined
• 22 traffic fines for operating unlicensed motor vehicles on a public road
• 20 vehicles found with smooth tyres

Two motorists were charged for displaying false number plates on their vehicles and 13 taxi-related offences were recorded.

During a vehicle check point on Sunday, officers stopped a taxi in Mew Way and Parma Road, Khayelitsha and charged the driver for driving without a valid driving licence, no professional driving permit, no operator's licence and for operating an unlicensed vehicle on a public road. He was arrested on charges of drunk driving after undergoing a breathalyser test where an alcohol reading of 0,62mg per 1000ml of breath was registered.

"While at the Police Station, it was found that he was previously arrested on similar charges by another Traffic Officer when he was also involved in a motor vehicle collision a short while ago. The case is still pending", said Lourens.

Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town