Two motorists taking part in an illegal street race were among seven people arrested during a City enforcement operation in Bellville South on Sunday night, as the City’s agencies recorded 374 arrests in the past week.
The Traffic Service’s Ghost and Random Breath Testing Units disrupted an illegal gathering, intercepting the two racing motorists who were arrested for reckless and negligent driving. A crowd of about 500 people dispersed following the officers’ arrival.
Five other motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol at the same location. Officers also patrolled another known hot spot in Jakes Gerwel Drive in Athlone, but the area was quiet.
Mayco member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith said illegal street racing remained a persistent challenge for City staff.
“Illegal street racing continues to feature as one of the many challenges that our staff have to deal with. I want to commend the officers for their swift action in breaking up this gathering, but the reality is that these illegal actions are commonplace and a source of frustration and danger to surrounding communities and other road users. The City has, over time, worked to create safe, legal spaces for this activity, but still it persists and that is why we are beefing up the Traffic by-law to impound vehicles for offences like reckless and negligent driving.”
Weekly traffic operations
In general operations over the past week Traffic Officers recorded 60 arrests, 52 for driving under the influence of alcohol, five for reckless and negligent driving and three for other offences. Officers also recorded 65 603 transgressions, impounded 142 public transport vehicles and executed 645 warrants of arrest.
Metro Police officers made 110 arrests and issued 5 367 traffic and by-law fines.
Emergency call centre activity
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 638 calls for assistance over the past weekend. Of these 86 were physical assault-related cases, 39 domestic-violence cases, 224 noise-nuisance complaints and 18 complaints about drinking and fighting in public. Call agents also dispatched assistance to 48 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
