Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has urged road users to exercise extra caution on the country’s roads during the June/July school holidays.
"Most schools will be closing for the winter holiday and roads around the country are expected to be busier than normal," Ndebele said. “We call upon road users to obey all road rules and exercise extra caution during this period. Law Enforcement Officers from the national Traffic Police Unit, provincial traffic, metropolitan police, municipal traffic departments as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Cross Border Road Transport Agency will be on full alert along high accident frequency locations. No mercy will be shown to those who commit any traffic violation. As part of government’s new National Rolling Enforcement Plan (NREP), a number of roadblocks, blitzes and high visibility patrols will be undertaken to ensure driver and vehicle fitness.
"Drunk driving is a major contributory factor to road crashes and road deaths in South Africa, and we want to warn motorists that there is no getting away. As of May 2011, no less than 10,000 drivers are being screened every month for drinking and driving. As per the National Road Traffic Act, in addition to a fine and/or imprisonment, persons found guilty of drinking and driving may have their driving licences suspended and/ or cancelled in the case of a first offence, for a period of at least six months; a second offence, at least five years; or a third or subsequent offence, at least ten years," Ndebele said.
Yesterday (22 June), Gauteng Traffic Police conducted a special operation targeting scholar transport vehicles in Brakpan, Springs and Benoni on the East Rand. Of the 132 vehicles checked, only 11 were roadworthy. The 121 unroadworthy vehicles were discontinued from use and the licence discs removed. Defects included poor brakes, worn tyres, faulty steering mechanisms and excessive oil leaks.
South Africa joined the rest of the world and officially launched the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011 to 2020 on 11 May 2011. As part of the NREP, from 1 October 2010 to 31 May 2011 almost 10 million (9,926,693) vehicles and drivers have been checked, over 4.1 million (4,115,292) fines issued for various traffic offences, 15,197 drunk drivers arrested and 39,706 un-roadworthy vehicles discontinued from use.
“We call upon more South Africans to take responsibility for their safety on the roads during this Decade of Action, to reduce the appalling projected global increase in road deaths. The Department of Transport welcomes partnerships with organised labour, business, the religious community, civil society as well as other formations to end the carnage on our roads. Let us strengthen this global movement that is demanding real action against road deaths. But, we must act now,” said Ndebele.
Report bad driving to 0861 400 800.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
Minister Ndebele on road safety during holidays
