Two mini-bus taxi drivers were arrested over the weekend for travelling at excessive speeds. Both drivers were arrested yesterday, 11 February 2012, on the N2 near the Tongaat River Bridge in KwaZulu-Natal for travelling at 141km/h and 151km/h respectively in a 120km/h zone. The maximum permissible speed for a mini-bus taxi is 100km/h. Both drivers were detained at the local police cells, and are expected to appear in court tomorrow, Monday, 13 February 2012.
Meanwhile, as part of the National Rolling Enforcement Plan (NREP) and million-a-month vehicle check announced by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele on 10 September 2010, more than 8 500 drivers have been arrested across the country during the first month of 2012.
During January 2012, 8 507 motorists were arrested, including 1 762 for drinking and driving, 84 for reckless and/or negligent driving, 215 for excessive speed, 206 for goods overloading, 4 572 for outstanding warrants of arrest, 220 for not being in possession of valid public transport permits, 54 for false documentation, 97 for not being in possession of a valid driving licence and 1 297 for various other offences.
During the same period, 1 223 100 vehicles and drivers were checked, and 484 476 fines issued for various offences including 33 724 for failing to wear front seatbelts and 1,274 for failing to wear rear seatbelts. Four thousand seven hundred and ten (4 710) vehicles were discontinued from use, and 26 vehicles impounded.
Minister Ndebele said: “We want 2012 to be the year of action for safer roads. Those who are turning our roads into killing fields must be isolated and exposed for their deeds are not only a danger to themselves, but pose a real threat to the sustainability of society. We want drunk drivers, reckless and negligent drivers and inconsiderate drivers to have their actions disowned by their own families and friends for their destructive ways are deadly!
“People must value life! It cannot be considered normal that every month we count no less than one thousand soul-less bodies due to road crashes, most of which could have been avoided. Coupled with intensified and uncompromising law enforcement, accompanied by harsher sanctions, we want to drive social conduct change programmes that would have as their primary objective to speak to the human beings behind the drivers of these vehicles we see on our roads daily,” said the Minister.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
