As holidaymakers make their way back home, road safety operations across the Western Cape have remained firmly in place, with traffic volumes continuing to test both motorists and enforcement teams, Cape {town}Etc reports.
Updates shared by the Western Cape Mobility Department officials show that between 29 December 2025 and 4 January 2026, traffic officers maintained a strong presence on major routes and secondary roads as part of a broader effort to manage peak return traffic and reduce risky driving behaviour.
During this period, Provincial Traffic Services made 88 arrests, with 65 linked to driving under the influence of alcohol. Speeding also featured prominently, with more than 350 offences recorded, including a motorist clocked at 171km/h in a 120km/h zone.
In briefings issued by provincial authorities, officials said a combination of roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations was used to curb dangerous behaviour and encourage safer travel. In total, 180 integrated operations were rolled out across the province.
These efforts saw over 36 000 vehicles stopped and checked, resulting in more than 9 000 fines for various traffic violations, including offences related to driver and vehicle fitness.
Despite these interventions, the Western Cape Mobility Department recorded 23 fatal incidents, leading to 25 deaths on provincial roads during the same period.
The figures come following sustained high traffic volumes as residents and visitors return from holiday destinations both within and outside the province.
A closer look at the data highlights the continued vulnerability of road users outside vehicles. Of the 25 fatalities, 12 were pedestrians, while six motorcyclists also lost their lives.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said enforcement alone cannot prevent every tragedy, stressing that behaviour on the road remains a decisive factor.
‘Speeding, drinking and driving, and disregarding the rules place lives at risk, not only your own, but those of innocent road users. We remain hopeful that with patience, vigilance and mutual respect, we can still prevent further tragedies on Western Cape roads,’ Sileku outlined.
Chief Director for Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout echoed the concern around vulnerable road users, calling for heightened awareness during peak travel times.
‘Pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists remain among the most vulnerable on our roads. We urge pedestrians to remain visible, cross at safe points and stay alert at all times. Motorcyclists and pedal cyclists are encouraged to wear protective gear, remain visible, and ride defensively, especially in high-traffic conditions. Our teams will maintain a strong presence across the province, but safer roads require cooperation from every road user,‘ said Bezuidenhout.
As holiday travel continues, the department has reiterated its call for responsible behaviour, urging road users to obey speed limits, avoid alcohol and drugs, remain patient during congestion, and stay vigilant in areas with pedestrian activity.
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Picture: Western Cape Mobility Department/Supplied
