GEORGE NEWS - The festive season is barely in full swing, and already authorities are deeply concerned about the rising numbers of accidents and fatalities on our roads.
"We need road users to take this situation seriously and obey the rules of the road," says Rebecca Campbell, spokesperson for the Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie.
Over the last week, provincial traffic officers have geared up significantly, stopping and checking over 37% more vehicles and issuing 55% more fines than the previous week.
Alarmingly, the number of arrests made for drunk driving over the last week has quadrupled from 25, in the previous week, to 103 arrests. The number of passengers killed in road crashes has also increased dramatically.
"The actions that keep people alive on the roads are simple - buckle up, check your vehicle and tyres, do NOT drink and drive, do NOT speed or take chances overtaking dangerously, stop and rest when tired or every 200km," says Campbell.
On home turf
George Municipality took firm action over the weekend to ensure order and safety on its beaches, cracking down on alcohol consumption. Law Enforcement and beach monitors confiscated alcohol, removing intoxicated individuals to restore a tranquil beach atmosphere. One person was also arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
No alcohol
In a media release, the municipality said it is deeply concerned about numerous attempts to bring in alcohol, including hiding bottles in unconventional places such as baby nappies, in between meat, and the sand.
"Our officers, authorised by municipal by-laws, will continue rigorous searches of cars and beachgoers," reads the statement.
"This confirms our commitment to strictly enforcing the NO ALCOHOL policy on beaches, ensuring a safe environment for all visitors. The municipality will continue to act decisively against the use of alcohol on its beaches and issue a stern warning that it will not tolerate alcohol consumption in these public spaces."
Enforcing the law
The control and searching of vehicles and bag at access points to municipal beaches are implemented under the Access to Public Premises and Access of Vehicles Act (53 1985).
The public is cautioned that prohibited substances, weapons, alcohol, fireworks, etc, will be confiscated, and fines can be issued.
All confiscated items or goods will be handed over to the South African Police Service for disposal.
George Municipality encourages beachgoers to cooperate with officials to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Neighbourhood watches, community police forums (CPFs), George and Provincial Traffic Services, SANParks, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), private security companies, the police and business owners also assist the municipality in ensuring a safe festive season.
Beach areas under the control of George Municipality include Wilderness main beach, Wilderness Lagoon, Wilderness Steps, Wilderness Leentjiesklip, Victoria Bay beach, Gwaiing river mouth beach and day camp, and Herold's Bay beach and tidal pool.
Results from Provincial Traffic Services for 11 to 17 December
Provincial Traffic Inspectors conducted 335 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations; and stopped and checked 47 404 vehicles (37% more than the previous week) across the Western Cape.
A total of 15 570 fines (55% more than the previous week) were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. Nineteen vehicles were impounded and 171 were discontinued for being found to be unroadworthy.
A total of 228 speeding offences were recorded.
Highest speeds:
• 182km/h in a 120km/h zone;
• 144km/h in a 100km/h zone;
• 125km/h in an 80km/h zone;
• 99km/h in a 70km/h zone;
• 90km/h in a 60km/h zone; and
• 79km/h in a 40km/h zone.
A total of 138 arrests (182% more than the previous week) were made for the following offences:
• 103 x driving under the influence of alcohol (over 300% more than the previous week);
• 2 x speeding;
• 8 x reckless and negligent driving;
• 5 x goods overloading;
• 15 x possession of fraudulent documentation;
• 3 x bribery;
• 1 x resisting arrest; and
• 1 x obstructing or hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his or her duty.
A total of 21 crashes and 30 fatalities (over 40% more than the previous week) were recorded, including:
• 4 x drivers;
• 1 x motorcyclist;
• 15 x passengers (275% more than the previous week); and
• 10 x pedestrians.
Contact details
For complaints and further information, please contact the Law Enforcement office on 044 801 6350 (07:45 - 16:30) or 044 801 6300 (after-hours assistance for by-law-related offences and emergencies).
The public can also send e-mails to sprins@george.gov.za with complaints or related matters. The Law Enforcement office is located at 25B Cathedral Street.
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