Minister Mitchell urges road users to behave responsibly

As we commemorate Youth Day tomorrow, I urge motorists to behave responsibly during this period and not to take to the roads under the influence as it will endanger their lives, those of loved ones, and vulnerable road users.
 
During the week of 7 to 13 June 2021,  Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services arrested 35 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol. 21 other people were arrested for various offenses ranging from speeding, possession of fraudulent documentation, reckless and negligent driving amongst others.
 
A total of 23 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 29 fatalities were recorded.
 
249 speeding offenses were recorded and 4 178 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R3 794 250.
 
Eight vehicles were impounded and 69 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.
 
I plead with motorists not to drink and drive. Provincial Traffic will be deployed across the province to make sure that motorists practice good driver behavior, comply with the rules of the road, and stay within the legal speed limits.
 
Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 219 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint, and speed control operations across the province in the week under review. 20 448 vehicles were stopped and checked.
 
It is also important to remind road users that Covid-19 is not on holiday and all people must be on high alert so that they do not become infected with Covid-19 or spread Covid-19 infection during the day.
 
If you drive a public transport vehicle, be extra careful throughout your journey. Always protect the safety of your passengers. Ensure that you and all occupants are wearing a mask over their noses and mouths, and sanitising regularly. Stay off the road during the curfew hours between 23:00 and 04:00.
 
Observe passenger limits – 100% of licensed carrying capacity for journeys shorter than 200 km, and 70% of carrying capacity for journeys of more than 200 km. Make sure the windows are always at least 5 cm open on both sides of your vehicle.
 
The Department of Transport and Public Works uses electronic systems to monitor public transport vehicles, drivers, and trips. The details of operating licenses are available to traffic officers in real-time. Tired drivers will be pulled off and made to rest before they resume their onward journeys.