An illegal street race in Bellville South led to the arrests of seven people as the City of Cape Town works to rid the streets of reckless and negligent driving.

The City’s Safety and Security Directorate says two drivers were intercepted while taking part in an illegal street race last night, while five others were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says they were among 374 arrests made by the City’s enforcement agencies in the past week.

“The Traffic Service’s Ghost and Random Breath Testing Units disrupted an illegal gathering in Bellville South last night. Two racing motorists were arrested for reckless and negligent driving. Five other motorists were arrested for driving under the influence as a crowd of about 500 people dispersed following the officers’ arrival.”

Smith says another area prone to illegal racing was patrolled, but no incidents or arrests were reported.

“Officers also patrolled another known hotspot on Jakes Gerwel Drive in Athlone, but the area was quiet.”

Smith says illegal street racing is one of the many challenges that the City has to deal with. He adds that not only is this an illegal activity, but it also poses a danger to those frequenting the area and road users.

“The City has, over time, worked to create safe, legal spaces for this activity, but still it persists, and that is why we are beefing up the traffic by-law to impound vehicles for offences like reckless and negligent driving.”