Almost 100 000 buses, taxis and trucks have been checked across the country over the past week, as part of the December holiday traffic law enforcement operations.
From 14 to 20 November 2011, 98 563 public transport and freight vehicles and drivers were stopped and screened, and 20 613 fines issued for various offences with the majority of 9,815 fines issued in Gauteng.
More than 670 vehicles were removed from the roads, including 424 mini-bus taxis, 196 trucks and 56 buses. Of these, 230 vehicles were removed from Gauteng roads.
More than 400 drivers were arrested, including 77 for drunk driving, two for excessive speed, five for reckless and/or negligent driving, 160 for overloading, 30 for public transport permits, 68 for not being in possession of a valid driving licence, two for false documents and 57 for other offences. One hundred and sixty nine (169) drivers were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal alone.
Last month (October), 1 034 375 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked, 308 327 fines issued for various traffic offences, 6 972 vehicles discontinued from use and 8 263 drivers arrested including drinking and driving (1 795), reckless and/or negligent driving (131), excessive speed (151), warrants of arrest (5 506), public transport permits (210) and other arrests (470).
Over the past two months (September and October 2011), more than 2 600 public transport drivers have been arrested as part of pre-December holiday traffic law enforcement operations and following Minister Ndebele's instruction that every bus and taxi must be stopped and checked.
From October 2010 to October 2011, 15 051 565 vehicles and drivers were checked, 6 287 308 fines issued for various traffic offences, 21 575 drunk drivers arrested and 60 313 un-roadworthy vehicles (the majority of which are buses and taxis) discontinued from use, as part of the new National Rolling Enforcement Plan (NREP) and million-a-month vehicle check announced by Minister Ndebele on 10 September 2010.
As we head towards Cop17 and the December holidays, traffic officers will be out in full force to ensure safe roads. "Our law enforcement and emergency services officials will be out in full force to ensure safe roads, as we head towards COP17 and the December holidays. For law-abiding road users, these knights in shining armour will be out there to ensure that you reach your destination safely. For those who blatantly disregard road rules, you will be arrested, detained in police cells, sentenced to a hefty fine or imprisonment and your driving licence will be cancelled or suspended. Drivers involved in fatal road crashes will face charges of murder or culpable homicide.
"Let us celebrate the festive season by appreciating the most precious gift that we have all been given, the gift of life. Let us all become Friends of the Decade of Action for Road Safety. Let us drive to save lives, and end death on our roads. Report road traffic offences to 0861 400 800," said the Minister.
Meanwhile, Minister Ndebele's call to pray for safer roads has received overwhelming positive responses. All across the country, individuals and organised formations are continuing to pray for safety on the roads.
On Sunday (27 November), Paul and Mientjie Smith of the Highway Mission Centre in Worcester in the Western Cape will host a prayer gathering focusing on road safety. Various churches, prayer groups and individuals will be participating in this initiative.
On 8 December 2011, thousands of people are expected to join Prophet OJ when he launches his "Public Ownership of Road Safety" campaign, under the theme "Road-Worthiness of Man, key to Road Safety" at Montshiwa Stadium in the North West.
Minister Ndebele is currently attending a meeting of African Ministers responsible for Transport in Angola, where the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Decade of Action for Road Safety will be further discussed. Last month (October Transport Month), the SADC Decade of Action for Road Safety was launched in Centurion, and Minister Ndebele was chosen as the SADC Champion for Road Safety.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
