MEDIA RELEASE
NO. 637 / 2010
31 AUGUST 2010


City Traffic Services intensified its campaign against drunken driving and drag racing this weekend by holding various operations in Delft, Gordon's Bay and Atlantis. A total of 30 people were arrested, 27 for driving under the influence of alcohol and more than 400 traffic offences were recorded.

In Delft on Sunday 29 August, 15 people were arrested at a roadblock for drunk driving and 265 traffic-related fines were issued for offences including:
• 127 Driving Licence offences
• 65 Unlicensed vehicles
• 73 Offences relating to unroadworthy vehicles

A total of 12 drivers were arrested and 72 traffic-related offences were recorded at a roadblock in Gordon's Bay on Saturday 28 August. “There is a direct link between the consumption of alcohol and road traffic accidents and we will not hesitate to prosecute those that drive under the influence of alcohol,” said media spokesperson for Cape Town Traffic Services, Kevin Jacobs.

Traffic Services Specialised Units also held drag racing operations over the weekend. During an operation held in Atlantis on Sunday 29 August, officers recorded 103 offences, which includes three arrests for unruly behaviour. A total of 22 vehicles were suspended because of illegal modifications made to increase the performance and speed of the vehicles and a further 21 unlicensed vehicles were fined.

“Illegal drag racing in Cape Town continues to attract large numbers of spectators in dangerous environments where no provision has been made for their safety. The events are attended mostly by young people and alcohol flows freely. The combination of alcohol and speed can create a volatile situation”.

“ Drag racers and spectators always face the possibility of serious injury. We will therefore not stop intensifying our drag racing operations throughout the city and will continue to arrest those that take part in this illegal activity,” said Jacobs.


END

ISSUED BY:
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT, CITY OF CAPE TOWN

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
KEVIN JACOBS
TRAFFIC SERVICES
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
TEL: 021 812 4571 CELL: 083 264 9661

MERLE LOURENS
CHIEF INSPECTOR: TRAFFIC SERVICES
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
TEL: 021 812 4570 CELL: 072 200 1512