Johannesburg - Since the start of the festive season travel period on December 1, more than 2 000 motorists have been arrested across the country for various driving offences.
According to statistics collected by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), 2 241 motorists have been arrested for, among other things, drunken driving, exceeding speed limits, driving without a licence, and the violation of permits.
The corporation said this comes as the country prepares for the second peak in traffic volumes on national roads this week as more travellers will be making their way to various destinations for the festive period.
“Evidence shows that some motorists continue to operate unroadworthy vehicles on public roads, placing the lives of other motorists at risk. More than 4 200 vehicles have since been discontinued from operating,” the RTMC.
“A total of 324 motorists were arrested for drunken driving. The highest alcohol arrest was in Gauteng, between Lever and New Road in Midrand. The suspect’s alcohol reading was recorded at 3.99 mg/1 000 ml.”
The RTMC said the “highest speeding arrest” occurred on the N1 route to Bloemfontein, in the Free State, on December 8, when a motorist was caught driving at 191km/h in a 120km/h zone. The motorist is out on bail of R3 500.
The Star