Provincial Traffic Services are stepping up enforcement operations, ahead of the Easter break, with this past week resulting in the arrest of 88 drivers, including a taxi driver who allegedly assaulted a traffic officer.

Between 16 and 22 March 2026, 257 road safety checks resulted in more than 38,000 vehicles being stopped and inspected. Of the 88 arrests, 50 motorists were driving under the influence of alcohol.

Among those arrested was a taxi driver, who was also allegedly driving drunk.

On Sunday, the taxi driver reportedly ran a red light on Old Paarl Road in Brackenfell while over the legal alcohol limit.

When traffic officers tried to stop him, he allegedly resisted arrest and physically assaulted a female officer, leaving her with some bruises, before attempting to flee.

Provincial traffic services later detained him and handed him over to the Kraaifontein police station. He now faces charges of reckless driving, driving under the influence, and resisting arrest. It is not clear whether an assault charge will also be added to the charge sheet.

Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku says traffic officers are at the coal face of trying to keep the roads safe, and this incident again illustrates how dangerous their work can be.

“I’m glad the officer is okay and was able to help make sure the driver was arrested. This driver’s behaviour was completely unacceptable. We thank the vehicle owner for helping, and we will make sure anyone who threatens our officers faces the toughest consequences.”

Besides the arrests, officers also wrote out more than 8,500 fines over the period in question.

38 vehicles were impounded, while 168 vehicles were taken off the road for serious defects.

In addition, 320 speeding offences were recorded.

Sileku says that with the end of the month and the Easter long weekend approaching, traffic volumes will increase, along with the risk of drunk driving.

“We are stepping up enforcement during this high-risk period. Every officer on the road is working hard to prevent crashes and save lives. We urge all residents to drive sober, stay patient, and help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”

Tragically, 21 crashes were reported over the same 7-day period, resulting in 22 deaths. Of these, 13 were pedestrians, who are often the most vulnerable on the roads.