Over 600 motorists were arrested for drunk driving during the recent festive season.
It follows one of the busiest festive seasons, with hundreds of vehicles leaving the City of Johannesburg for various destinations. This has been a season without travelling restrictions after the Covid-19 pandemic.
(JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said it was pleasing to see most residents comply with road safety rules. “It has been heartwarming to see most motorists and law enforcement officials work together to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians.”
Safety measures were ramped up during the festive season. This included roadside checks and roadblocks, vehicle inspections and tests for driver fitness and driver behaviour.
“Officers have been conducting drunken driving operations throughout the city with other law enforcement agencies such as SAPS and Gauteng Traffic Police,” Fihla said.
“Over 600 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol from November 28 to January 2,” he added.
On New Year’s Day, the High-Speed Unit of the JMPD arrested seven motorists for speeding. This included an incident where a motorist was driving at 189 km/h in a 120 km/h zone.
“The unit recorded 6 312 cases of speeding on January 1 alone. Of these, 2 816 were in Johannesburg inner city, 771 in Roodepoort and 2 725 in the Sandton precinct,” he said.
“We did mention that the JMPD will be in full force to ensure safety for everyone during the festive season. We will continue with intensified operations as people return to the city. This proves once more that the safety of residents is a priority to the city,” Fihla said.
“We appeal to motorists to adhere to all the road rules and to drive with caution. Avoid excessive speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicating substance, reckless and negligent driving and talking or texting on cellphones while driving,” he noted.
The city’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) conducted several fireworks bylaw compliance blitzes in the Joburg CBD, Fordsburg and Alexandra during the festive season.
Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Nana Radebe said the campaign aimed to ensure stores that sell fireworks had the correct permits, storage and fire safety compliance.
“Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure safety across the city and we will continue to provide fire and rescue services to educate residents about fire safety and by-law compliance,” she said.
“We are looking forward to a prosperous year and urge communities to be safe and avoid rivers as it has been raining continuously,” she added.
