Traffic Officials have their heads in their hands after more than 50,000 offences were recorded in the Metropole in the past week. At the same time, the City says over 3,000 road users attended their latest traffic roadshow, where an impressive number of outstanding fines was cleared. This however is dwarfed by the latest number of fines that were dished out.

Roadshow yields impressive results

The Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith says the Roadshow yielded impressive results. He says officials assisted 3 004 persons who made representations on 34 509 outstanding fines and warrants. After the 9-day event, 19 994 fines and 6 663 warrants had been paid. These warrants had a value of nearly R7 million.

More than 50,000 offences were recorded in the Metropole in the past week

Smith says that in the week that the curtain fell on the roadshow, traffic officers also recorded 50 774 offences, impounded 209 public transport vehicles, and executed 692 warrants of arrest.

They made 50 arrests:

• 29 for driving under the influence of alcohol

• nine for reckless and negligent driving

• 12 for various other transgressions

He says it’s a classic case of two steps forward, three steps back. The Mayco Member, however, says they are thankful to the motorists who turned out to take care of business.

He added, “I hope they will use this clean slate to stay on the side of right going forward.”

At the same time, the Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 2 335 incidents over 72 hours this past long weekend. Smith says, that of these, 828 were medical complaints. The centre also recorded 150 assault cases, 66 domestic violence incidents, 55 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents and 423 noise complaints.