More than 1 500 drivers were arrested in Johannesburg for drunken driving and speeding over the festive season.
This, according to the City of Johannesburg was because of the Metro police clamping down on errant motorist behaviour on the city’s roads.
More than 2 500 officers were deployed and numerous roadblocks set up, the City said.
Metro police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said the number of motorists who drove under the influence of alcohol was a cause for concern. He added that there had been a 17 per cent increase in the number of road deaths nationally over the festive season.
“Johannesburg also experienced an increase in road fatalities,” he said.
“Every year during the holiday season, we plead with motorists to do the right thing by keeping to the speed limit, not drinking while driving and pulling over when they want to text.
“When people respect the rules of the road, they will minimise the number of accidents and fatalities that we have on our roads. We, as [Metro police] cannot do this alone, hence we ask motorists to join us to make our roads safer.”
Minnaar said there was a greater need for road users to be responsible on the road.
Minnaar urged motorists to:
• Drive within the speed limit
• Not overtake when it is not safe to do so
• Refrain from drinking alcohol or taking drugs before undertaking their journeys
• Wear seat belts at all times
• Adjust their speed when driving in the rain.
Did you see an increase in the Metro police’s presence on the roads this festive season? Tell us by sending an email to nmt@caxton.co.za
Source: www.joburg.org.za
