Traffic Services Tighten Up on Illegal Drag-Racing

Cape Town Traffic Services has had a number of recent successes in its targeting of illegal drag-racing. This can be attributed to intensive action over the last few months, during which a number of specialised units were deployed in operations held across the city. In addition, the department is now taking a different approach to dealing with illegal racing, explained Chief Inspector Merle Lourens, media spokesperson for Cape Town Traffic Services.

During a recent operation held on 13 April, Traffic Officers were able to arrest one of Cape Town's most notorious drag-racers on Modderdam Road near Sacks Circle. The alleged suspect is said to be 'unbeaten' in the illegal street racing community. He was caught driving an illegally modified vehicle in which the petrol tank had been removed and replaced with a twenty (20) litre can of racing fuel on the back seat in order to make the vehicle lighter. Officers also found a hand-made stainless steel fuel tank mounted in the engine compartment of the vehicle.

"This is but one example of the lengths that people will go to in order to indulge in this extremely dangerous activity," said Chief Inspector Lourens.

During the operation another two motorists were arrested for drunken driving; four for reckless or negligent driving; and six cars were suspended for various mechanical defects.

On 13 April, Traffic Officers from the Operation Reclaim Unit arrested sixteen (16) motorists on eighty four (84) outstanding warrants valued at eighty four thousand nine hundred and fifty rand (R84 950) on Bosmansdam Road in Sandrift. One motorist was a taxi driver with thirty four (34) outstanding warrants totalling thirty seven thousand seven hundred rand (R37 700).

Traffic Services also held a roadblock in Old Faure Road, Mfuleni over the weekend. Of the four hundred and thirty nine (439) vehicles stopped and checked for driver and vehicle fitness, twelve (12) drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol; ninety nine (99) were charged for driving without a licence; and forty five (45) for operating unlicensed vehicles. In addition, a further two hundred and ninety six (296) traffic-related offences were recorded. One taxi driver who was stopped at the roadblock faces charges of fraud when he produced a driver's licence belonging to someone else. He fled on foot into the nearby informal settlement. The abandoned taxi was then impounded.

"Motorists are warned that law enforcement operations of this kind will be intensified," Chief Inspector Lourens said.

Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town