The City of Tshwane has, since the beginning of the festive season, intensified its road safety operations in an effort to reduce the road carnage and clamp down on criminal elements.
Through dedicated members in the Tshwane Metro Police department, the City has made more than 100 arrests for various crimes and offences. About 142 573 fines were issued for traffic and by-law offences.
Amongst these arrests, 17 were for drunk driving, 57 pedestrian source of danger and 19 were for possession of drugs while 3 was for hijacking and possession of stolen vehicles.
10 858 were issued for traffic offences such as overloading, using cell phones while driving, disobeying traffic signs, vehicle defects and inconsiderate driving.
Speeding remains a major concern on our roads. TMPD officers captured 554 fines with a hand camera during road policing and 132 038 speeding fines were captured by the fixed road cameras.
“These figures are very worrying to say the least, and speak to the deficiency of discipline and concern for other road users,” said Acting MMC for Community Safety, Sakkie Du Plooy.
He praised the team for the excellent work they are doing and said while the main focus is to reduce fatal accidents, the police are out there enforcing by-law enforcement and crime prevention.
“Many businesses were inspected to check for by law compliance, about 125 section 56 fines were issued for Business Act contravention and solid waste. Two businesses were closed down for non-compliance.
“Premises which were found with illegal electricity connections were fined and disconnected.
“Other arrests were made for house breaking and possession of house breaking equipment,” said the MMC.
These operations will be ongoing and TMPD officers will continue to work very hard throughout the festive season and beyond.
“We will continue to monitor busy routes to check for driver fitness, speeding and drunk driving.
“Motorists are reminded NOT SPEED, motorists must NOT DRINK AND DRIVE, motorists must be extra mindful of pedestrians, motorists must NOT USE CELLPHONES WHILE DRIVING, motorists must ensure that they BUCKLE UP and most importantly that children in the vehicle are also buckled up,” the Acting MMC said.