"The culprit, a 68 year-old taxi owner, was arrested when he called at the Bellville Traffic Department to collect his taxi which had been impounded after the driver had been arrested for outstanding warrants. There are 38 outstanding warrants against the taxi owner," says Traffic Services spokesperson, Merle Lourens.

Over the past weekend 58 people with 200 warrants worth nearly R300 000 against them were arrested in a joint operation by Traffic Services, Metro Police, Law Enforcement and the South African Police Services.

"The operation was aimed wider than just the taxis. During the blitz a Golden Arrow bus driver, who had five outstanding warrants of arrest, was also pulled off, "said Lourens.

Of the other 119 traffic fines issued, 24 were for unlicensed drivers and eight for defective brakes. Ten vehicles were suspended from use on a public road.

"I’m elated with the success of this crackdown in the area," says Bellville Subcouncil chairperson, Cllr Glen Kleinsmith. "The City firmly believes that successful law enforcement is the only way to reclaim the roads and sidewalks for law abiding residents.

"Over the past month, 153 drivers were caught without licences, 60 vehicles had no registration plates and over 300 were ticketed for parking on red lines or in no-stopping areas.

"It is astonishing to see that in one month over 2 000 traffic fines were issued in the Bellville area alone," he said.

Ends

Issued by: The Communication Department City of Cape Town

Media Enquiries: * Cllr Glen Kleinsmith Chairperson: Bellville Subcouncil Cell: 084 422 2727

                             * Merle Lourens Spokesperson: Cape Town Traffic  Services Tel: 021 406 8860 or Cell: 072 200 1512