More than 100 motorists were arrested on Joburg roads during various operations last week and over the weekend. Driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding were most common along with several vehicles found to be unroadworthy.

Members of the Special Patrol Unit and Krugersdorp region of the Gauteng Traffic Police arrested 83 drivers for violating road traffic rules and regulations during a law-enforcement operation on Malibongwe Drive in Kya Sands last week.

The Gauteng Traffic Police further issued fines to offenders and discontinued 19 unroadworthy vehicles.

In separate incidents, 62 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol on Saturday March 19 along the M2 freeway, Rabie Ridge, Pretoria Central at WF Nkomo Street, Western corridor, and along the R28 and R550 roads, to mention a few.

The drunk driver with the highest reading was arrested at Rabie Ridge after the breathalyser recorded 1,36 mg/1 000ml.

Amongst those arrested during the alcohol-related offences operation was a male driver who was caught on the N1 driving a Jeep 4×4 at 176km/h in a 120km/h zone.

The speedster was detained at Lyttelton Police Station and is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court today. He faces charges relating to reckless and negligent driving with an alternative charge of exceeding a prescribed maximum limit.

All other offenders are expected to appear in various magistrates’ courts today (Tuesday, March 22) for violating traffic rules and regulations.

“The conduct of drivers is highly regrettable and therefore a stark reminder that road users must obey the rules and regulations at all times. Many road fatalities that the province continue to record are due to unroadworthy vehicles, unsafe overtaking, over-speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and general disregard of the rules of the road or road traffic signs, amongst others.

“Road safety is the responsibility of every road user,” says Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane.

“The Gauteng Traffic Police will continue its efforts to save lives by continuously engaging in a series of road safety activations and operations in various hazardous locations as part of the Road Safety Education programme during the long weekends,” adds Maremane.