The DA in the Western Cape urges all residents to travel safely over the festive season, as this period is even more vital in the face of the current Covid-19 resurgence in the province. It is not the time for residents to drop our guards. We all need to travel with great caution, paying attention to good hygiene and road safety.
We welcome the provincial Transport Department’s tactical plan to curb road accidents and promote safe driving behaviour. This is crucial, as it was revealed that since 2016, there has been a steady increase in the number of drunk drivers arrested on our roads. Between 2018 and 2019 alone, the number of drivers arrested for drunk driving grew from 2,011 to 3,025 – a staggering increase of 1,014 arrests.
Due to Covid-19 regulations the arrest of drivers suspected to be under the influence of alcohol is made possible by testing blood alcohol levels. However, from 1 December 2020, breath alcohol testing will be safely reinstated at the province’s Alcohol Evidentiary Centres and mobile testing units to free up capacity for our hospitals and promote timeous prosecution of intoxicated drivers.
The provincial government has also prioritised deployment of additional Provincial Traffic Officers over the festive season on all major routes, ensuring a presence of safety and as a deterrent to illegal and reckless driving behaviour. Officials will be deployed where they will have the greatest impact, along with newly-appointed Covid-19 Compliance Officers in all regions to monitor safety circumstances and stay on top of any changes to health protocols.
It is further noted that the Department has coordinated its planning and efforts with all stakeholders, including SAPS and Law Enforcement officials within the Cape Metro. The integration will allow for the increase in resources at strategic locations as well as critical times where increased traffic volumes are expected.
We remind residents to remain vigilant and avoid the ‘3 Cs’:
- Crowded spaces,
- Closed areas, and
- Close contact with others.
The DA in the Western Cape remains committed to creating safer roads for all residents within the province.
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