News24 | 111 arrested in the Western Cape for drunk driving in the past week
As holidaymakers head home, the Western Cape Provincial Traffic authorities continue a no tolerance stance to lawlessness on the roads.
The New Year started off on the wrong side of the tracks for many, with 111 people across the Western Cape being arrested by Provincial Traffic Officers on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Drunk drivers pose a serious threat to themselves, their passengers, and other road users around them, said Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Minister of Mobility. “Even small amounts of alcohol can affect a driver’s judgement and cause a fatal traffic crash. Please find a safer way to get home.”
“Our officers have worked incredibly hard this festive season to keep residents and visitors safe while travelling. I commend them for doing an excellent job and for their ongoing dedication to improving road safety and saving lives in our province.”
The roads are still busy, with a bumper holiday season continuing in the Western Cape. Provincial Traffic Services will thus remain on high alert with a strong presence on all the major routes.
“Our weekly operational results demonstrate clearly that there are severe consequences for those who ignore the rules of the road. Best case, it may be a hefty fine or an arrest. Worst case, the consequence is loss of life.”
Results from WC Provincial Traffic Services – 27 December 2023 to 1 January 2024
Provincial Traffic Officers conducted 263 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations; and stopped and checked 28 379 vehicles across the Western Cape.
A total of 7 665 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. Twenty-six vehicles were impounded and 124 were discontinued for being unroadworthy.
A total of 413 speeding offences were recorded, with the following highest speeds:
• 178 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 139 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 124 km/h in an 80 km/h zone
• 104 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
• 90 km/h in a 60 km/h zone
A total of 143 arrests were made for the following offences:
• 111 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 7 x speeding
• 8 x reckless and negligent driving
• 14 x possession of fraudulent documentation
• 1 x inducing any authorised officer or peace officer to act in
• conflict with his/her duty
• 1 x threatening/suggesting use of violence against a traffic officer
• 1 x possession of an illegal substance
A total of 19 crashes and 20 fatalities were recorded, including:
• 2 x drivers
• 2 x motorcyclists
• 3 x passengers
• 13 x pedestrians
