A Lichtenburg businessman and a passenger survived the first accident since the launch of month long traffic law enforcement blitz dubbed operation moretlwa-die poppe sal dans on the R503 Mafikeng-Lichtenburg road over the weekend. The two were unhurt after the driver lost control of his Toyota bakkie and overturned five kilometres outside Lichtenburg towards Mafikeng.
North West MEC for Public Safety Howard Yawa has expressed serious concern about overall driver behaviour and aggression which manifests itself through speeding and a lack of courtesy towards other road users. He has vowed that his department will intensify efforts to stamp out the phenomenon.
Despite improved visibility of traffic officers, road blocks and much publicity about the operation, the number of road offenders caught for various traffic violations along the 67 kilometres stretch, part of which is under construction, has continued to rise at a worrying rate. 975 road offenders have thus far been caught for traffic violations during the operation.
477 tickets were issued to road offenders for speeding. The operation that focuses on driver fitness, vehicle fitness, barrier line infringement and speed in order to ensure that road users share the road responsibly.
One hundred and thirty two other road users were arrested for driving without licenses during road blocks and road side inspection. 102 were caught for not wearing seat belts, 21 for overtaking on a barrier line and scores of other for worn out tyres, unlicensed vehicles and overloading.
Between April and June this year, 35 accidents occurred on the road resulting in 12 fatalities, 29 serious and 23 slight injuries to road users.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 381 9164
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Public Safety, North West Provincial Government
14 September 2009
