Traffic law enforcement will be stepped up over the next few days, as traffic volumes are expected to increase ahead of the New Year.
Since 1 December as part of the Festive Season Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign, more than 550 000 vehicles and drivers have been stopped and checked. No less than one million vehicles and drivers will be stopped between December and January. More than 282 000 motorists were fined for speeding; 3 200 drunk drivers arrested; 219 motorists arrested for reckless and negligent driving; 2 211 un-roadworthy vehicles removed from the roads, including 1 100 buses and taxis; and thousands of drivers also fined for non-wearing of seatbelts and other offences.
The high number of unlicensed vehicles and drivers is also a cause for concern. Since 1 December in KwaZulu-Natal alone, more than 1 900 drivers were fined for unlicensed vehicles and more than 2 700 for not being in possession of a valid driving licence.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has warned road users that zero tolerance against all traffic offences will be intensified. “The thousands of arrests and fines since 1 December, as part of the Festive Season Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign, is a clear indication that government is serious about enforcement, enforcement and enforcement. We will continue to intensify our zero tolerance stances against all traffic offenders, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. As of next year, the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) will create an improved road traffic management environment in South Africa and enhance a culture of compliance through the point’s demerit system. Those who do not obey the law must not only face the consequences of their actions, but must also forfeit their driving licence," said the Minister.
According to preliminary reports, more than 840 deaths, 218 drivers, 327 passengers and 295 pedestrians were recorded on South Africa’s roads since 1 December. Speed has been reported as a major contributory factor to these crashes.
Based on a preliminary analysis of these December road crashes, the following specific interventions will be implemented by law enforcement agencies over the next few days in an attempt to curb further crashes:
* More multi-disciplinary roadblocks will be set up on all major routes, as well as certain alternate routes, to test for vehicle and driver fitness
* Speed enforcement operations will be increased, particularly at hazardous and high accident frequency locations
* Enforcement on drinking and driving will be intensified ahead of New Year’s celebrations
* Greater surveillance on moving violations, particularly barrier line and red light infringements
* Dedicated enforcement operations targeting public transport vehicles, specifically buses and taxis
* Intensified enforcement on non-wearing of seatbelts as well as unlicensed drivers and vehicles.
Road safety is everybody’s responsibility. All road users are encouraged to report bad driving on 0861 400 800.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
Issued by: Department of Transport
30 December 2009
