City Law Enforcement agencies are tackling lawless and reckless driving with specialised operations, one of which resulted in 19 arrests.
Six of these arrests were for drunk driving, 12 for reckless and negligent driving and another for furnishing false information.
Officers also issued 649 fines for various other offences during two illegal street racing operations held in the Athlone and Mitchell’s Plain on Saturday 12 January.
“We receive ongoing complaints from the public about illegal street racing. Athlone and Mitchell’s Plain are two of the many hot spots around the metropole and it is a massive undertaking to try and clamp down on this dangerous pastime.
“One of the drivers arrested during the operation was four times over the legal limit. This, combined with the need for speed that fuels these gatherings, is a recipe for disaster as we have seen so many times before, but still there is very little change in behaviour,” said Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith.
“Illegal street racing continues to be a problem in a number of areas around Cape Town. Participants will gather a few times a week or move locations if the Traffic Service’s Ghost Squad disrupts their activities too often. We encourage residents to report any illegal street racing to the City’s public emergency communication centre
“These tip-offs allow us to respond immediately and deter street racers but also prevent possible tragedy.
“It also helps guide enforcement efforts as we are able to pinpoint all hot spots and focus on these areas,” he told People’s Post.