Success in season’s first roadblock action

Five people were arrested for drunken driving and several fines were issued during George Municipality's first Protection Services roadblock on Sunday 16 December.

According to local traffic chief Donovan Saptoe, the operation was a great success. "The action was the first of many the directorate has planned for the season and combined the efforts of municipal law enforcement, George and Provincial traffic and the land invasion unit," he said. Roadblocks and actions were held from 15:00 to midnight at different locations in and around George.

In Pacaltsdorp an illegal gathering of vehicles in the play park in Harmony

Park was dispersed and the use of the cars suspended.

Drag racing complaints resulted in several vehicles being taken to the municipality vehicle testing station. Licenses of 14 vehicles were suspended due to a variety of irregularities.

Several fines were issued for violations such as driving without a license and not stopping at stop streets.

Two long-distance buses were suspended and found unroadworthy due to faulty brakes, among others. Alternative transport arrangements were made for the passengers.

Saptoe said all George Traffic Department operational staff, including 50 traffic officers, are on duty during the school holiday period. "Traffic officers will maintain high visibility and focus on enforcement of the law, road safety as well as drunken driving. A zero-tolerance approach will be followed towards road traffic offences. Traffic officers will also be deployed at strategic hotspots to encourage road safety as well as deal with serious offenders. The department also has a dedicated Rapid Response Unit that will focus on various aspects of public transport and related offences. A speed management team will also be out in full force at various locations," he said.