Fewer deaths on Western Cape roads, but over R11m in traffic fines issued in a week

• Almost 12 000 fines were issued by Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services last week.
• These amounted to just under R11.5 million.
• The Western Cape has seen decreased road deaths over the last week.

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services recorded 454 speeding offences and issued 11 685 fines between 3 and 9 January, amounting to just under R11.5 million.

The provincial Department of Transport and Public Works, however, recorded a decrease in deaths on provincial roads last week, despite the higher traffic volumes resulting from many people returning home after the holidays.

The deaths recorded last week in the province were down from 32 (27 December 2021 to 2 January 2022) to 25.

"While every death is one too many, these latest figures represent a significant improvement as a result of the work done by our provincial traffics services who conduct 24/7 operations on provincial roads," said Transport and Public Works MEC Daylin Mitchell.

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They implemented 310 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations across the province in the past week, and 39 698 vehicles were stopped and checked.

Of these, 51 vehicles were impounded and 125 discontinued for not being roadworthy.

The department's traffic law enforcement team, arrested 54 individuals. Of these, 23 were for drunk driving.

“As the province prepares for motorists to return to their various destinations for the beginning of the 2022 academic year and return to work, we appeal to all road users to be responsible," said Mitchell.

The minister thanked all law enforcement and EMS employees for their hard work during this time.