Drakenstein Municipality recently announced that together with various law enforcement agencies it has formulated a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary strategy to clamp down on illegal street racing.
It warned that offenders can face fines of up to R3 000 and the possible discontinuation of their vehicles.
In a statement released by the Wellington Community Policing Forum (CPF) on 27 July it said it had submitted a special action plan to address the ongoing issue of illegal drag racing in Paarl and on the outskirts of Wellington.
“We are pleased to report that last night (27 July) saw the third dedicated and targeted operation as part of this initiative,” the Wellington CPF added.
“Four traffic officers were deployed from 22:00 to 02:00.
“Officers actively patrolled known hotspots where illegal midnight racing activities are usually observed.
“We are encouraged to share that, apart from one arrest for driving under the influence, the streets were relatively calm.
“No illegal racing, spinning or drag events were witnessed.”
It said while it remain cautious, early signs suggest that the continued presence of law-enforcement officials is beginning to make a positive impact on this challenge.
This past weekend another multi-disciplinary operation was also held at the BP Garage intersection in Jan van Riebeeck Drive in Paarl.
According to Drakenstein Municipality’s Head of Traffic Services Japie Cornelissen the municipality has started to implement a plan that aims to ensure safety on our roads, stop illegal racing, limit spinning and excessive revving, and foster partnerships with other law enforcement agencies.
“After receiving numerous complaints in this regard from the members of the public,” he said, “the municipality developed and started to implement a comprehensive strategy with a multi-disciplinary approach to combat incidents of illegal street racing.
“Our Traffic Services currently partner with the South African Police Service, our Law Enforcement division, Public Order Police and Provincial Traffic Services for these operations.
“Depending on the focus of the operation, the Western Cape Liquor Authority and the Department of Home Affairs are also invited to participate.”
According to Cornelissen the municipality is aware of emerging patterns and gathering points in Drakenstein, which are informed by their own intelligence as well as law-enforcement data.
He said since May this year, Traffic Services has already focused on eight operations.
Cornelissen reminded offenders that in terms of the National Road Traffic Act, illegal street racing carries a R3 000 fine and the use of the vehicle can also be discontinued.
