12 Arrested for Being over the Limit on Western Cape roads

A driver, who was caught speeding at 180 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N2 in the George service area on 28 December 2015, was among the 15 arrested on Western Cape roads this week.

Provincial Traffic Services have been working around the clock to help create safer, booze-free roads. Officers do not hesitate to arrest drivers for if they are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating drugs. Drunk drivers put their own lives and those of their passengers in danger, as well as the lives of other road users.

Since Monday, 28 December 2015, traffic officers stopped a total of 9 387 vehicles in roadblocks across the province. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1728 motorists and 12 were arrested for being over the limit. Mossel Bay traffic arrested the most drunken drivers (3). The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Brackenfell. At 1,33 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is almost six times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

A total of seven vehicles were impounded for being unlicensed and/ or unroadworthy. A total of 32 vehicles were suspended from using the road until they have been certified as roadworthy and owners have renewed their vehicle licences. The largest number of suspended vehicles (10) were recorded in the Somerset West service area.

A total of 5982 vehicles were screened for speeding and 508 speeding offences were recorded. Fines worth R72 604 were issued for speeding offences. The highest speeds were recorded on the N2 in the George service area (180 km/h in a 120 km/h zone), on the N2 in the Swellendam service area (132 km/h in a 100 km/h zone) and on the N2 in the Knysna service area (115 km/h in an 80 km/h zone). These drivers face a heavy fine and will appear in court soon.

A total of 2 278 vehicles were stopped in Average Speed Over Distance (ASOD) traffic law enforcement operations and 142 speeding offences were recorded.

Another three arrests were made in connection with false documentation, alleged bribery and minibus taxi/ public transport permit-related offences. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

Breakdown of fines issued for various traffic violations

Help us to create booze-free roads. The simple fact is that alcohol and roads don’t mix. Whether you are driving, walking, or riding a motorbike or bicycle, even small amounts of alcohol can impair your ability to make decisions, operate a vehicle, or walk safely near traffic. If you have friends or family who still drive under the influence, speak to them before they get into trouble with the law.