The Provincial Traffic Services in the Western Cape have heightened their enforcement efforts following a significant week of integrated operations aimed at strengthening road safety and managing the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), reports Cape {town} Etc.
Between 9 and 15 February 2026, authorities conducted a total of 247 operations, engaging in high-visibility checks that scrutinised 8 143 vehicles, of which six were carrying livestock, in collaboration with the Western Cape Agriculture Department.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku emphasised the importance of these efforts. ‘Earlier this week, I was on the ground along the N7 in Moorreesburg supporting efforts to curb the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease. These roadblocks play a critical role in monitoring livestock movement, preventing the virus from spreading to new areas, and protecting our farmers, animals, and national food supply,’ he stated.
He also expressed gratitude for the patience and cooperation exhibited by road users during these checks.
The statistics from the operations reveal a concerted approach to maintaining road safety; law enforcement issued a staggering 7 646 fines for driver and vehicle fitness offences, while also impounding 20 vehicles.
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A total of 163 vehicles were discontinued for severe defects, including the notable removal of 28 vehicles in relation to FMD roadblocks due to serious issues such as worn tyres and oil leaks. Speeding continued to be a pressing concern, with 274 offences recorded during the operations.
In a notable incident during these operations, a truck driver was apprehended near Beaufort West for multiple speeding violations, clocking in at 111 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.
The misuse of speed was detected by Average Speed Over Distance (ASOD) cameras, and the driver was arrested, leaving two passengers stranded in the process.
The crackdown on dangerous driving behaviour extends to arrests, with a total of 66 made throughout the week. This includes 40 individuals caught driving under the influence, with the most alarming blood-alcohol reading reported at 1.22 mg/l.
Authorities also arrested nine for fraudulent documentation, alongside others for reckless and negligent driving, obstruction and related offences.
Maxine Bezuidenhout, Chief Director of Traffic Management, highlighted the risks associated with fraudulent documentation: ‘Driving with fraudulent documentation is a serious offence because it undermines the system that keeps our roads safe for everyone. We thank our officers for their vigilance and encourage everyone to play their part by ensuring their documents are valid and up to date,’
The integration of technology linked to the NaTIS system continues to assist officers in identifying fake licenses and vehicle credentials in real-time, significantly strengthening compliance and road safety.
Unfortunately, while the enforcement efforts have been rigorous, they coincide with a tragic reality as 20 crashes claimed 20 lives during the same week. Disturbingly, 14 of these fatalities were pedestrians.
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Picture: WCG
