Almost 4,5 million (4 429 095) vehicles and drivers have been checked and more than 2 million fines issued for various traffic offences from 1 October 2010 to 3 January 2011 – well above the million-a-month target announced by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele as part of South Africa's "Make Roads Safe" campaign and new National Rolling Enforcement Plan (NREP).
More than 7 000 drivers were arrested for drinking and driving, reckless and negligent driving and speeding.
More than 26 000 vehicles, including thousands of buses and midi/mini-buses, were discontinued from use.
From 1 December 2010 to 3 January 2011, more than 1,5 million vehicles and drivers were checked and more than 2 700 drunk drivers arrested. Other arrests related to stolen vehicles, unlicensed firearms, possession of dagga, overloaded taxis and buses, taxis and buses without the necessary permits as well as excessive speed.
Minister Ndebele said that 2011 is an important year for road safety. “The year 2011 is important in terms of road safety as it marks the start of the United Nations Decade of Action against Road Deaths from 2011 to 2020. As government, we are going all out to ensure safer roads in South Africa without fear or favour - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Road safety education and enforcement will be intensified through the ‘Make Roads Safe’ campaign and new National Rolling Enforcement Plan. Road Safety is Everybody’s Responsibility. We therefore call upon all South Africans to heed the United Nations global call to put an end to road deaths. The Department of Transport welcomes partnerships with organized labour, business, the religious community, civil society as well as other formations to stop the carnage on our roads. This battle is winnable and we must win,” said the Minister.
In the Eastern Cape from 1 to 31 December 2010, more than 100 886 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked; 28 751 fines issued for various traffic offences; 817 vehicles discontinued from use including 44 buses, 303 mini-buses and 470 other vehicles; 1 131 arrests including 262 for drunk driving, 44 for excessive speed, 12 for reckless and negligent driving, 64 for overloading, 46 for public transport permits, 245 for not being in possession of a valid driving licence and 324 warrants of arrest executed.
Cape Town traffic authorities suspended 42 long-distance vehicles for various defects since the start of Operation Exodus on 15 December 2010, aimed at unsafe vehicles leaving the city, with a particular focus on long-distance public transport operators. Various public transport interchanges were manned by traffic officers, and there were also enforcement operations on all major routes leading out of the city. The operation was planned in such a way that every possible exit route was manned, ensuring that all long-distance taxis and buses were inspected for roadworthiness and driver fitness before departure. As a result of the operation 4 523 fines were issued for speeding, and 1 848 vehicles were stopped and checked. Of the 1 848, 1 328 buses and taxis underwent stringent roadworthy, driver fitness and load checks. Similar operations focusing on public transport vehicles were conducted in other provinces as well.
In KwaZulu-Natal from 1 to 27 December 2010, more than 250 971 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked; 43 707 fines issued for various traffic offences; 904 vehicles discontinued from use; 354 drunk drivers arrested; 53 speed arrests; 3 055 fines for driving licence offences; 2 476 for seatbelts; 1 793 for unlicensed vehicles; 74 for inconsiderate driving and 69 warrants of arrest executed.
During November 2010, 1 493 574 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked, 684 739 fines issued and 10 282 vehicles discontinued from use. The highest number of vehicles and drivers (220 226) were stopped in KwaZulu-Natal.
During October 2010, 1 385 521 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked, 408 650 fines issued and 4 481 vehicles discontinued from use. The highest number of vehicles and drivers (276 579) were stopped in Gauteng. There were 2 256 drunk driving arrests, of which 930 were in the Western Cape.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
