Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has called on road users to obey all road rules during the coming long week-end.
"We will be commemorating Human Rights Day on 21 March 2011, and the Department of Transport is anticipating increased traffic volumes and busy roads across the country during this long weekend. We call upon all road users to obey all rules and exercise human rights on our roads. We also urge motorists to drive with their headlamps on at all times. Traffic Law Enforcement Officers will be out in full force, as part of the 'Make Roads Safe' campaign and new National Rolling Enforcement Plan. Any person who commits any offence will face the consequences of their actions. Road safety begins with you, so let us all make our roads safe," said Minister Ndebele.
Motorists are advised to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before leaving for their destinations. Particular attention must be given to brakes, tyres, lights, windscreen wipers and steering mechanisms. Mechanical failure will not only frustrate you due to being stranded on the road, but may also endanger your life and/or the lives of your passengers as well as other road users. Road users are urged to always obey all rules of the road, buckle up, not to overload their vehicles and to rest or take a break every two hours or 200 kilometres.
On Tuesday, 15 March 2011 more than 15 scholar buses were impounded in the North West for various defects, including faulty brakes and steering and loose seats. On Monday, 14 March 2011 more than 50 taxis were impounded in Ivory Park in Gauteng for operating without permits.
From 1 October 2010 to 28 February 2011, 6 535 058 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked, 2,681,127 million fines issued for various traffic offences, 11 003 drunk drivers arrested and 27 124 un-roadworthy vehicles discontinued from use.
During February 2011, 941 870 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked and 318 828 fines issued for various traffic offences, with most checks (180 892) in KwaZulu-Natal. Thousands of motorists were arrested including 1 099 for drunk driving, with the majority (544) arrested in the Western Cape. Other arrests included reckless and/or negligent driving (101); excessive speed (355); passenger overloading (29); goods overloading (102); warrants of arrest (2 681); public transport permits (283); false documentation (22); no driving licence (22); other arrests (765) and 2 751 un-roadworthy motor vehicles discontinued from use.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
