Increased traffic enforcement in Western Cape as festive alcohol arrests surge

A week before Christmas celebrations, traffic authorities have sadly confirmed that 14 pedestrians have been killed on Western Cape roads with 37 lives lost in 28 road crashes over the past two weeks.

The past week saw 14 pedestrians killed on Western Cape roads. Authorities warn that pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users, particularly when alcohol is involved. Walking near roadways while intoxicated significantly increases the risk of fatal incidents, especially in low-visibility conditions.

Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said over the past week alone, the province has seen a deeply concerning number of road accidents, crashes and fatalities on our roads, many caused by negligence and reckless driving.

"From 1 to 11 December, 37 people lost their lives in 28 crashes across the Western Cape, just 11 days into December. There will be empty seats at Christmas tables, and birthdays that will never be celebrated, all of which could have been avoided.

"These are families changed forever. They’re people who should still be here. Slow down. Be responsible. One choice can save a life."

Traffic enforcement across the province has been intensified for the festive season, with alcohol-related offences emerging as a major concern after 119 arrests were recorded in just one week.

Between 8 and 14 December, Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement stepped up operations as part of the festive road safety campaign, resulting in 81 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol.

During the reporting period, traffic officers conducted more than 200 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations, stopping and checking over 44 000 vehicles across the province.

More than 7 000 fines were issued for a range of traffic violations, including driver behaviour and vehicle fitness. Speeding remains a persistent problem, with over 250 speeding offences recorded. The highest speed detected was 163 km/h in a 120 km/h zone.

Sileku said alcohol abuse, speeding and irresponsible pedestrian behaviour continues to claim lives unnecessarily.

Chief Director for Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout highlighted the scale of operations.

“Our traffic officers are visible across the province, working around the clock through roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed operations to protect all road users. However, enforcement can only go so far."

In reaction to the road deaths, the South African Communist Party (SACP)'s provincial secretary, Benson Ngqentsu said the numbers were concerning, calling for regular road checks: "The alarming frequency and concentration of these fatalities point to a serious breakdown in road safety enforcement. 

"This raises pertinent questions about the role, visibility, and effectiveness of Vehicle Testing Units in high-traffic corridors. Where, precisely, were these Vehicle Testing Units while trucks, buses, minibus taxis, and private vehicles, many potentially unroadworthy which continued to operate with apparent impunity?"

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