A KwaZulu-Natal motorist has been sentenced to a R20 000 fine or three years imprisonment for travelling at 197km/h in a 120km/h zone.
Mr Farouk Ebrahim Patel (53 years) from Umtentweni on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal was arrested at 07h40 on Saturday, 27 November 2010, whilst driving a Subaru on the N2 north near Sezela in KwaZulu-Natal. He appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate's Court yesterday, 29 November 2010. Five other motorists also appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate's Court yesterday, 29 November on charges of speeding and were sentenced to fines ranging from R4 000 to R18 000.
Over the past two months (October and November 2010), more than two million vehicles and drivers have been stopped and checked and over half a million fines issued for various traffic offences. During October, more than 2 256 motorists were arrested for drinking and driving. Since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, an average of 2 000 motorists have been arrested every month for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.
These traffic law enforcement operations form part of South Africa's "Make Roads Safe" Campaign and new National Rolling Enforcement Plan (NREP) announced by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele on 10 September 2010. As part of the new NREP, as from 1 October 2010 no less than one million vehicles and drivers will be stopped and checked every month. This is also intended as a pre-festive season traffic enforcement sweep. This year's festive season road safety campaign, announced by Minister Ndebele on 18 November 2010, focuses on driver and vehicle fitness as well as moving violations.
"As of 20 November 2010, any driver who exceeds the prescribed speed, by more than 30km/h in an urban area and more than 40km/h outside an urban area, will have their driving licences automatically suspended for at least six months for a first offender as part of their sentence. The 'Make Roads Safe' Campaign and new National Rolling Enforcement Plan is only the start of a major law enforcement drive in South Africa and reflects government's commitment to reducing road carnage by half in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
"As we head towards the December holidays, traffic enforcement will be intensified and absolutely no mercy will be shown to road users who break the rules. We call upon road users to ensure vehicle and driver fitness; drive with their head lamps on at all times; wear your seatbelts; do not drink and drive; adhere to the prescribed speed limits; fatigue is a silent killer so for every stretch of 200km drive, pull aside and rest or stretch; avoid moving violations; and pedestrians and cyclists must wear bright clothes at all times when using the roads," Minister Ndebele said.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
