In the past week, the city’s enforcement agencies have been busy tackling various offences. A total of 57,604 offences were recorded, and 276 arrests were made. With nearly 30,000 speeding offences witnessed, concerns regarding road safety are growing.
Speeding Offences
More than half of the offences recorded by the Traffic Service relate to drivers exceeding the speed limit. Extreme speeding instances include a motorist travelling at 139 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, another at 137 km/h in a 70 km/h zone, and a third at 150 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.
Concerns and Urging for Responsible Driving
Alderman JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, expressed his concerns regarding these trends. He stated that the actual number of speeding offences is likely higher than reported, and many arguments attempt to justify this reckless behavior. Smith emphasized the difficulty of slowing down or reacting to road hazards in dry conditions, which will worsen with the expected rainy weather.
Smith urged road users to consider their actions and remember that even minor motor vehicle accidents can cause significant inconvenience and traffic congestion. Everyone must strive for safer roads by ensuring their vehicles are in proper condition and driving responsibly at all times.
Other Offences
In addition to tackling speeding offences, Traffic officers arrested 40 motorists in the past week. Of the 40, 30 were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, and ten were arrested for reckless and negligent driving. Furthermore, 236 public transport vehicles were impounded, and 1,912 warrants of arrest were executed.
The city’s Metro Police officers also had a busy week, making 70 arrests and issuing 3,016 fines.
Law Enforcement Department Actions
The City’s Law Enforcement Department officers made an impressive 166 arrests and issued 3,635 notices for various transgressions in the past week.
Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) Incidents
Over the weekend, the PECC logged 1,754 incidents, including 843 calls for medical assistance, 47 domestic violence cases, 116 cases of assault, as well as 68 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
Reporting Suspicious or Criminal Behaviour
City residents are encouraged to contact the PECC at 021 480 7700 from cellphones or 107 from landlines to report any suspicious or criminal behaviour.
As the city navigates through the challenges posed by the alarming number of offences, the enforcement and emergency services remain vigilant in their efforts to maintain safety and order. The importance of responsible driving cannot be overstated, and a collective effort is necessary to create a safer environment for all.
