Briefing (Notes) By KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Bheki Cele, at the Road Safety Media Briefing, Hilton Hotel, Durban

20 January 2005.

All protocol observed.

Nationally, and provincially there has been a reduction in road deaths during the past festive season, as compared to the same period during 2003.

This has been attributed to a number of factors, including the high level of visibility of law enforcement officers, Operation Juggernaut, 100% compliance, Omela eKhaya and so on.

For KZN, during the period 1 December 2004 to 16 January 2005, the figures are as follows:

TOTAL NUMBER OF CRASHES
2003: 240
2004: 211
Reduction: 12%

TOTAL NUMBER OF FATALITIES
2003: 293
2004: 243
Reduction: 17%

NUMBER OF DRIVER FATALITIES
2003: 49
2004: 49
Reduction: Unchanged

NUMBER OF PASSENGER FATALITIES
2003: 95
2004: 75
Reduction: 21%

NUMBER OF PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES
2003: 149
2004: 119
Reduction: 20%

DEATHS ON NATIONAL / PROVINCIAL / DISTRICT ROADS
2003: 138
2004: 133
Reduction: 3%

DEATHS ON MUNICIPAL STREETS
2003: 175
2004: 109
Reduction: 37%

ENFORCEMENT STATISTICS

To date 381 drivers have been arrested for drunk driving, as compared to 120 in 2003. 1 140 Drivers were arrested for speeding, and 11 for reckless and negligent driving.
Motorists were charged for more than 36 000 various traffic offences, and 1 050 vehicles were suspended for being in an unroadworthy condition.
RTI Officers alone worked a total of about 120 000 hours, and patrolled 795 911 kilometres.
This resulted in KZN achieving a 17% reduction in road fatalities, and a 12% reduction in road crashes during the past festive season, as compared to 2003.
Our success as the KZN Department of Transport lies with the commitment and dedication displayed by our law enforcement officers, and other relevant stakeholders.
However, I wish to reiterate that one death on our roads, is still one too many.

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY ROAD BLOCKS

The two major multi-disciplinary roadblocks held in Pietermaritzburg and Durban on the 10th and 11th December 2004, in which all law enforcement agencies participated resulted in 201 drunk drivers being arrested in just two days. This sent a very strong message to the motoring public that we mean business, and will not tolerate drunken driving in KwaZulu-Natal. More than 600 law enforcement personnel took part in each roadblock.

CARD VERIFICATION DEVICES (CVD’S)

This state of the art technology added tremendous clout to the improved data available to law enforcement officers at the roadside. A few of these devices were also made available to SAPS accident units’ province-wide.

With this device officers are able to check:
* CCF Driving Licences
* Licence Discs
* Transport Permits
* VIN Numbers
* Chassis Numbers
* ID Numbers, and
* Photographs and driver particulars.

PEDESTRIANS

More than 420 pedestrians were arrested for walking on freeways. In this regard, problem areas still exist. More education programmes will be implemented. Also, more remedial engineering measures will be put in place to pedestrian proof national roads at certain areas such as the N2 Prospecton and SJ Smith Hostel area.

ROADSIDE COURTS

Four roadside courts were in operation on the N3 at Cato Ridge and Bergville, and the N2 at Umdhloti and Park Rynie.
Since 1 December 2004, more than 980 motorists appeared before the Magistrates at the various roadside courts.
Certain roadside courts will be in session this weekend and will continue up until 31st January 2005.

TRADING ON FREEWAYS
A law enforcement exercise was held at the Mvoti Toll Plaza where 36 fruit vendors were arrested and charged for being on the freeway, as well as for trading alongside the roadway.

CO-OPERATIVE JUSTICE

As of 1 January 2005, the prescribed admission of guilt fines throughout KZN have been increased, and approved accordingly by the respective Chief Magistrates.

MOST RECENT SPEEDING CONVICTION

Mr Anthony McKleary of Pietermaritzburg was arrested on Sunday (16/01/2005) after he was caught speeding at 220 km/h with a Suzuki motorcycle on the N2 at Ellingham. He also did not have a valid motorcycle licence and was arrested. He appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrates Court yesterday (19/01/2005) and was fined R20 000 or six months imprisonment suspended for five years. He was ordered to immediately deposit R8 000 into the Tsunami Disaster Fund.

CONCLUSION

Finally, ladies and gentlemen allow me to ask you a question?
Do you think everything in your life is perfect as it is?
Or are there some changes you would make if you had the chance?
If the answer is "yes" then you have everything you need to be a road safety activist.
Let us spread the message of road safety and reduce road carnage. Join us in our efforts to save lives.
In conclusion, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a safe 2005.
I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government