Creating Safer, Booze-Free Roads in the Western Cape

Provincial Traffic Services are working around the clock to create safer, booze-free roads in the Western Cape.

Since the beginning of December 2015, traffic officers stopped a total of 71 299 vehicles in roadblocks across the province. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 9 561 motorists and 66 were arrested for being over the limit. Somerset West traffic arrested the most drunken drivers (24). The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Somerset West. At 1,16 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is almost five times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

A total of 29 744 vehicles were tested for overloading at the Department’s weighbridges, and 14 were impounded, six of them in the George service area. A total of 74 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 (32) were recorded in the Somerset West service area.

A total of 28 835 vehicles were screened for speeding and 2 929 speeding offences were recorded. One driver was arrested for excessive speed in the Vredenburg service area (111 km/h in a 60 km/h zone). The highest speeds were recorded on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area (176 km/h in a 120 km/h zone) and on the N2 in the Swellendam service area (171 km/h in a 100 km/h zone). These drivers face a heavy fine and will appear in court soon.

Another 37 arrests were made, nine of them in the George service area 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.