Main Road in St. James, Cape Town, was the site of an arrest on 2 June 2023, when a motorist with 169 double warrants totalling almost R160,000 was apprehended. The individual was the third on the Traffic Service Top 100 list of motorists with outstanding warrants, and one of 251 arrests made by the City’s enforcement services for the week.
These offenders, known as scofflaws, pose a real danger to society. Their violations of the law range from reckless driving to overloading of vehicles, all of which put the lives of others at risk. Alderman JP Smith, the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, stated that the arrest reminded people of the ongoing battle with individuals who lack respect for the law.
Traffic Services Use Technology to Combat This Growing Problem
To curb this increasing problem, Traffic Services has begun rolling out automated number plate recognition technology, which will identify not only stolen vehicles but also outstanding warrants. Alderman Smith has advised motorists to ensure that their affairs are in order as scofflaws will find it increasingly challenging to remain undetected.
This recent arrest follows a series of similar incidents. Just weeks ago, Traffic Services apprehended another person on the Top 100 list in Epping who had accumulated 275 warrants totalling R213,500. At the same time, a third individual was arrested at his home in Hanover Park, having accumulated 28 warrants totalling R22,600.
A Week of Traffic Offences Leads to Many Arrests
During the week, Traffic Services recorded 45,822 driving offences, impounded 250 public transport vehicles, and executed 1,617 warrants of arrest. Law Enforcement officials made 172 arrests and issued 2,880 notices, while Metro Police issued 1,921 fines and made 21 arrests.
In addition, the Anti-Economic Crime Task Team (AECTT) played a critical role over the weekend, when a tip-off led to an arrest in Lavender Hill and a significant seizure of illegal drugs.
Weekend Incidents Require Emergency Services Intervention
Over the weekend, the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded 1,804 incidents, including 112 cases of assault, 31 of domestic violence, and 84 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents. These accounted for almost half of all such incidents reported to the PECC for the week, totalling 180.
As the enforcement services continue to apprehend and penalize persistent traffic offenders, motorists must prioritize the safety of everyone on the road. Advanced technologies, such as automated number plate recognition, will undoubtedly aid in this pursuit and contribute to a safer and more responsible driving environment.
