Johannesburg - The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police, through Operation Nomakanjani, have arrested 150 motorists on charges of reckless and negligent driving.
In an effort to clamp down on motorists who skip red traffic lights or stop signs, change lanes on solid white lines and talk on their cell phones, the metro police launched Operation Nomakanjani, meaning "no matter what", last Tuesday.
Instead of merely fining motorists, the police will now arrest drivers on the spot and take them to a police station to be charged. They will have to pay a R2000 bail as well as R600 for the release of their vehicle.
According to Johannesburg Metro Police spokesperson Edna Mamonyane, the increased police presence and arrest of 150 motorists has lead to motorists being more weary of traffic regulations.
"Motorists have changed their behaviour. Most are adhering to the law, however, there are still some taxi operators who are not adhering to law," said Ms Mamonyane.
She said there were plans to expand the operation to include other provinces, such as the Western Cape. "We have received calls from other provinces who have requested that we come and assist."