Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services arrested 31 drivers for allegedly being under the influence of alcohol on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 February 2016. Seven people died in road crashes over the weekend, and three people were arrested in Swellendam for being in possession of 66 bags of abalone.
Breath testing was performed on 1 723 drivers at 23 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Somerset West service area. At 1,25 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over five times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.
A total of 10 036 vehicles were screened for speeding and 1 021 speeding offences were recorded. The highest speed recorded was 172 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area. The driver faces a heavy fine.
A total of 192 fines in the amount of R272 300 were issued for various traffic law infringements, including driver and vehicle fitness violations.
Three other arrests were made:
- One pedestrian for being under the influence of alcohol in Vredendal.
- One person for assaulting a traffic officer and resisting lawful arrest in Knysna.
- One person for being in possession of 30 bundles of khat to the value of R1 500 in Somerset West.
Details of weekend road crash fatalities
Friday 12 February 2016
Greater Cape Metropole:
- N1 Old Oak – one passenger.
- Symphony Way – one passenger.
Saturday 13 February 2016
Cape Winelands
- R43 Villiersdorp – one driver.
Greater Cape Metropole
- R27 Atlantis – one pedestrian.
Sunday 14 February 2016
Greater Cape Metropole
- Lansdowne Turfhall Road – one driver and one pedestrian.
- Parow Plattekloof – one pedestrian.
The Department of Transport and Public works appeals to motorists to make themselves and others safer by not drinking and driving, by buckling up in the front and back at all times, by driving carefully and considerately, and by always remaining within the speed limit.
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