The City of Cape Town has raised alarm over a sharp increase in motorists disregarding red traffic lights, warning of the deadly risks posed by such behaviour.

According to the Traffic Service’s annual enforcement statistics, there was a 49% rise in red-light offences in the past financial year.

In a statement, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says despite the very real risks and the thousands of incidents on City roads every month, the annual traffic statistics continue to point in the wrong direction

“Ignore a red light and there is a chance you can cause a collision or hit a pedestrian,” added Smith

Between July 2024 and June 2025, more than 2.7 million traffic offences were recorded in Cape Town.

Speeding remained the most common violation, with 1.84 million cases, but several other dangerous behaviours also spiked. Driving offences rose by 30.3%, while overloading increased by 15.1%.

Traffic officers made 2,272 arrests during the year. Of these, 1,638 — nearly three-quarters — were for drunk driving. Others included reckless and negligent driving, as well as crimes such as robbery, possession of stolen goods, and even murder.

Vehicle impoundments also surged, with 12,224 taxis, e-hailing vehicles, buses and private cars seized in joint City and Provincial operations.

In addition, 952 vehicles were towed away — a 61.4% increase compared to the previous year — for offences ranging from illegal parking to abandoned cars obstructing traffic.

The City’s newly introduced vertical lift tow truck has already completed nearly 50 removals.

Smith dismissed criticism that enforcement unfairly targets “soft offences,” arguing that every violation carries real consequences.

“The fact is that too many people are far too comfortable breaking the law, until they are held to account or until their actions cause harm to themselves or others.”

The City has urged all road users, from drivers to pedestrians, to act responsibly, warning that law enforcement alone cannot reverse the growing trend of reckless behaviour.

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