Pretoria - With more than 1400 motorists being arrested across the country for various traffic offences since the start of the festive season, traffic police have promised to show no mercy to offenders.
Transport Department spokesperson, Logan Maistry, said from 1 to 18 December, 1 434 motorists were arrested including 501 for drunk driving, 93 for excessive speed, 37 for reckless or negligent driving, 104 for overloading, 420 for not being in possession of valid public transport permits, 16 for not being in possession of a valid driving licence, 22 for false documents and 241 for other offences.
During the same period, he said 544 379 vehicles and drivers were checked, 117 061 fines issued for various traffic offences and 3 956 un-roadworthy vehicles (the majority of which were buses and taxis) discontinued from use.
As part of the December holiday road safety plan, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele joined traffic police at various roadblocks, and also visited a near-by tavern, at Edendale, Pietermaritzburg, in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday.
The minister handed out disposable self-test breathalysers and encouraged road users to test their alcohol levels before getting onto the roads.
"Test yourself to know your alcohol limit, and test your vehicle before embarking on a journey. Leave early, drive slowly, live longer and ARRIVE ALIVE," said the Minister.
He also emphasised that road users, particularly passengers utilising public transport, must speak out against bad driving.
"Commuters in buses and taxis must not allow themselves to be carried around like a bag of potatoes; they must not keep quiet and must refuse to get into overloaded vehicles as their rights include that of safe movement.
"While passengers are vocal on numerous other issues, many are silent when it comes to road safety. Ensure that you don't sacrifice yourself on the road. The best traffic officer is you," he said.
People are encouraged to report any traffic offence to 0861 400 800.
