Roadblocks clamp down on vehicle noncompliance
Roadblocks along the N2 and R72 went into operation last Thursday as the Easter weekend kicked off.
Traffic officials manning the roadblocks focused on vehicle roadworthiness, driver fitness and traffic violations.
A total of 47 fines were collected and two licence suspensions were served — 1,278 speeding cases were reported at the time of writing, the worst being a vehicle doing 112km/h in a 60km/h zone at the North East Expressway.
“The culture of drunken drivers is one of the complex challenges facing us, and one of the highest contributory factors to road fatalities on our roads,” transport MEC Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe said
“We have to commend our officers for their proactive stance.
“We believe that it has certainly saved dozens of lives from possible life-altering or fatal accidents.”
As drivers returned from the Easter weekend, BCM law enforcement and traffic officers took part in multi-disciplinary operations to try to curb road accidents.
BCM spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said that the focus was on high-visibility patrols, roadblocks and beach patrols.
“The municipality encountered challenges such as vehicles at Batting bridge and Eastern beachfront but with the joint approach with other law enforcement agencies, the city was able to manage the crowds effectively,” Ngwenya said.
“The municipality is also concerned about some businesses and places of entertainment that seem to be flouting lockdown level 1 regulations.
“We are implementing a safety operational plan that will ensure that we cover all the necessary problematic areas.”