Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 19 – 25 October 2020

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 120 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations across the province in the week of 19 to 25 October 2020, and 15 904 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 217 speeding offences were recorded and 2 887 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R2 537 700.

Seventeen vehicles were impounded and 65 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

• 160 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 138 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 112 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
• 104 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
• 88 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Disaster Management Act

No charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and no fines were issued under this Act in the week under review. 

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 29 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 17 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 4 x fraudulent documentation
• 2 x reckless and negligent driving
• 1 x speeding
• 2 x goods overloading
• 1 x failure to furnish information
• 2 x possession of dagga

Fatalities recorded between 19 and 25 October 2020

A total of 26 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 31 fatalities were recorded:

• 9 x driver 
• 4 x motorcyclist
• 2 x passenger
• 15 x pedestrian
• 1 x cyclist

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

This week began on a grim note with a serious crash on the M19 between the N7 and Melkbosstrand on Monday 26 October. This crash is still under investigation, and verified fatalities will be included in the Provincial Traffic Services report for next week.

Seventeen people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and 15 pedestrians died in the week under review. We appeal to all drivers never to drink and drive, to be on the lookout for vulnerable road users, to adhere to the speed limit, and to keep their attention on the road. Do not use cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. Slow down whenever you are near pedestrians. Speeding reduces your response time and increases the severity of accidents.

Pedestrians should wear visible or reflective clothing whenever they are near roads, and cross only when it is safe to do so. It is dangerous to wear headphones or earphones when walking near traffic because you cannot hear oncoming traffic.

We appeal to all road users to give law enforcement personnel their full cooperation during this challenging period. We will take firm and decisive action against irresponsible road user behaviour to safeguard the lives of the innocent.

There were four cases of fraudulent documentation, one case of failure to furnish information, and various moving violations, including overtaking in the face of oncoming traffic and ignoring barrier lines. This is an urgent appeal to all motorists to allow for sufficient travel time, to make the correct choices while travelling on our roads, not to overload their vehicles, and to make sure that they have valid documentation when they get behind the wheel.

Let us share our road space responsibly and safely.