Western Cape Transport and Public Works MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela says there’s been a “major reduction” in road fatalities over the Easter holiday.
He said yesterday that the number of deaths decreased from 38 in 2019 to 25 in 2021.
Madikizela said this was commendable and a significant reduction, considering the high traffic volumes seen on the province’s roads during this period.
He said provincial traffic services implemented 240 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations across the province from 1-5 April in which 19 707 vehicles were stopped and searched or checked.
There were 23 crashes reported during the Easter weekend and 25 fatalities, which included 13 pedestrians, eight drivers, two motorcyclists and two passengers.
A total of 2016 speeding offences were recorded and 6145 fines were issued for a total of R4 171 250.
Officers also impounded 13 vehicles, while 68 vehicles were discontinued for unroadworthiness.
There were also 49 charges laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the value of R170 800 were issued.
A total of 22 offenders were arrested; seven were under the influence of alcohol, five were in possession of fraudulent documentation and four were speeding.
Five more were arrested for reckless and negligent driving and another motorist was arrested for attempting to bribe an officer.
“Whether we use the road as drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists or pedestrians, every one of us should take personal responsibility for our behaviour as road users.