Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 30 November - 6 December 2020

Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 56 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations across the province in the week of 30 November to 6 December 2020, and 18 825 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 328 speeding offences were recorded and 5 126 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R45 100 50.

Eleven vehicles were impounded and 95 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

• 165 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 119 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
• 99 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
• 99 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Disaster Management Act

A total of 23 charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the value of R83 000 were issued. 

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 50 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 32 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 6 x fraudulent documentation
• 7 x reckless and negligent driving
• 4 x speeding
• 1 x illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition

Fatalities recorded between 30 November and 6 December 2020

A total of 20 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 20 fatalities were recorded:

• 4 x driver 
• 4 x passenger
• 11 x pedestrian
• 1 x motorcyclist

A road safety message from the Department of Transport and Public Works

There has been a steady increase of active cases of COVID-19 in the Western Cape over the last few weeks. If you are planning to travel over the festive season, wear your mask over your nose and mouth at all times in any public transport vehicle, whether it is a minibus, a bus, a train, or an aircraft. Make sure the windows of any minibus, bus or train you travel in are open 5 cm on both sides of the vehicle. Use the free USSD code *134*234# to report on public transport compliance with safety measures. Sanitise or wash your hands regularly. When you arrive at your destination, avoid the three Cs – crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined spaces.

If you are planning a long road trip, have your lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, shock absorbers and tyres checked for faults. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you leave. Plan your trip so that you have a rest break every 200 km or every two hours. Do not drive in the emergency lane unless the road ahead is clear for 150 m. Never overtake on a blind rise or on a solid line. Never drink and drive. Even small amounts of alcohol can slow down your response in an emergency.

Twenty people were killed this week in 20 crashes, 11 of them pedestrians. Whether we are driving, cycling or walking, we are all road users. It is imperative to abide by all road safety precautions to stay safe and develop a strong safety culture. Be alert and prepared for anything. If you are a pedestrian, do not drink and walk, wear visible clothing, and remove headphones and earphones when you cross the road.

This week’s operational achievements include 32 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol, seven for reckless and negligent driving, six for fraudulent documentation, four for speeding, and one for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Please maintain a safe following distance – a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead. Drive carefully, especially during rush hour and when visibility is poor. Harsh braking, accelerating into traffic and changing lanes improperly are all risky behaviours that increase the likelihood of a crash. Make sure you pull into traffic slowly. Be careful when you cross a traffic intersection, even if the light is green for you. Wear your seatbelt and ensure those travelling with you in the vehicle are buckled up. Plan short breaks when driving long distances as fatigue can put your life and the lives of others in danger.

Play your part in making our roads safe. Safer roads are everyone’s responsibility.