Pretoria - Tshwane Metro Police Department officials have issued more than R2 million of infringement fines as they crack the whip on deviant holidaymakers and motorists on the roads.
Pretoria residents have already geared-up for the Christmas exodus and traffic officials have warned that unruly road users will feel the brunt of the law.
With Tshwane residents mainly using roads such as the the N1, N14, R101 and N4 to make interprovincial travels to their holiday destinations, the City is on alert to monitor lawlessness as part of its efforts to curb road accidents.
MMC for community safety Grandi Theunissen said the traffic police department has already made its presence felt in terms of law enforcement for the festive season and have already arrested one person for driving under the influence of alcohol.
He said during the first week this month a total of 3 073 vehicles were stopped and searched, including 2 036 individuals. A further 4 057 vehicles were inspected for roadworthiness during the same period.
Theunissen said that in spite of the City’s warnings and communication regarding road safety this festive season, numerous transgressions were detected. As a result, 3 997 infringement notices were issued, with the combined value of more than R2m.
“In order to ensure a safe festive season in Tshwane, 23 business premises were inspected to ensure that they complied with the necessary legislation and by-laws.
Of these, 19 businesses were found to be in contravention of the Businesses Act of 1991, and corresponding fines were issued.
“In addition, four contraventions of the solid waste by-law were detected and the guilty parties fined.
“Regretfully, the Metro Police Department also had to assist in the completion of 28 accident reports, indicating that there are still gains to be made in terms of traffic safety.
“I therefore reiterate my calls to our road users to act responsibly.
“Be patient and alert, do not drink and drive, and remember to rest from time to time if you are travelling long distances.”
Tshwane residents are meanwhile grateful for the long arm of the law and expressed their gratitude to the officers on social media, and called on motorists to act responsibly and remember that life still has to go on after the festive season.
Tumelo Thari said: “This is very impressive and it shows our traffic officers take their work seriously. So many people die on our roads because of unnecessary accidents committed by stubborn people.
Rose Chabalala said: “If our youth can learn to respect the law, so many lives can be saved from deaths. Our young people are a big part of the problem because they want to drive around from one venue to another and they do that while drinking.’
Agnes Ledwaba said this work needs to be complemented by the justice system to ensure those found to have committed irresponsible acts on the roads are prosecuted and convicted come the new year.
Pretoria News