CAPE TOWN – Provincial Traffic Services conducted intensive enforcement operations across the Western Cape last week, combining road safety measures with efforts to prevent the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
Between 9 and 15 February, officers carried out 247 integrated operations throughout the province, checking 31 577 vehicles and working alongside the Western Cape Agriculture Department to monitor livestock movement.
The dual-purpose operations resulted in 7 646 fines being issued for driver and vehicle fitness offences, whilst 20 vehicles were impounded. A further 163 vehicles were discontinued from service, including 28 removed during FMD roadblocks for severe defects such as worn tyres, missing wheel nuts, oil leaks and suspension problems.
Disease prevention measures
As part of the FMD prevention efforts, officers specifically checked 8 143 vehicles, including six carrying livestock. These targeted operations issued 1 186 fines and impounded four vehicles to help protect the province’s agricultural economy.
“Earlier this week, I was on the ground along the N7 in Moorreesburg supporting efforts to curb the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease,” said Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku.
“These roadblocks play a critical role in monitoring livestock movement, preventing the virus from spreading to new areas, and protecting our farmers, animals, and national food supply.”
Provincial response to outbreak
The traffic enforcement initiative forms part of the province’s intensified efforts to protect the livestock sector through a targeted mass vaccination drive against FMD.
ALSO READ: Western Cape authorities confirm containment of Foot-and-Mouth disease in province
Authorities have placed farms under quarantine following confirmed or suspected cases near Gouda and other districts, with veterinary teams collecting samples and continuing surveillance to monitor outbreaks.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats. Whilst it does not infect humans, it spreads rapidly through direct contact, contaminated vehicles, equipment, and clothing. Outbreaks can threaten both farmers and the broader agricultural economy.
The campaign aligns with national efforts after FMD was recently declared a national disaster in South Africa, allowing for stronger coordination of outbreak management, regional containment, and vaccination campaigns.
ALSO READ: Western Cape launches targeted foot-and-mouth disease vaccination
Serious offences detected
Traffic officers recorded 274 speeding offences during the week. On 14 February, a truck driver was arrested near Beaufort West for travelling at 111 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. Average speed over distance cameras recorded the repeated violation between Beaufort West and Aberdeen, leaving two passengers stranded when the driver was detained.
A total of 66 arrests were made, including 40 for driving under the influence. The highest blood alcohol reading recorded was 1.22 mg/l. Nine arrests were made for fraudulent documentation, with several others for reckless and negligent driving, obstruction and related offences.
“Driving with fraudulent documentation is a serious offence because it undermines the system that keeps our roads safe for everyone,” said Maxine Bezuidenhout, chief director of traffic management. “It puts all road users at risk.”
Technology linked to the NaTIS system continues to assist officers in detecting fake licences and vehicle papers immediately, strengthening compliance and road safety.
Fatal crashes continue
Tragically, 20 crashes claimed 20 lives during the week. Pedestrians accounted for 14 of these fatalities, again highlighting their vulnerability on the province’s roads.
Provincial Traffic Services said it remains committed to verifying all driver and vehicle credentials whilst encouraging road users to ensure their documents are valid and up to date.
