Thousands of motorists arrested in road safety blitz

More than 24000 motorists have been arrested in the first quarter of 2012 as part of the New National Rolling Enforcement Plan (NREP) and million-a-month vehicle check announced by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele in October 2010. From January to April 2012, 24 703 drivers were arrested including 7017 for drunk driving, 378 for reckless and/or negligent driving, 908 for excessive speed, 391 for overloading, 12 975 for outstanding warrants of arrest, 446 for not being in possession of valid public transport permits, 279 for false documentation, 208 for not being in possession of valid driving licences and 2101 for various other offences. Minister Ndebele has called upon more citizens to be ambassadors for road safety. This month (May 2012) marks one year since the launch of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, which aims to reduce road deaths around the world by 50% by 2020. “As government, we will ensure that every day is safe on our roads. These deaths and injuries not only cause enormous pain and suffering to the victims and their families, but also cost our economy billions of rands each year.”