CRA Motoring News – South Africa
By Robin-Lee Francke
Cape Town – Motorists in Cape Town have been driving without number plates in order to avoid getting caught by traffic cameras, according to mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Smith said traffic officers conducting patrols on roads within the Cape metropole had recorded over 4 500 vehicles without number plates for the period of July to September.
Smith said as traffic volumes increase on the City’s roads, so are the number of traffic transgressions.
“Driving without number plates is not only a violation of the National Road Traffic Act, but also says a lot about those behind the wheel.
“Often this is a ploy to avoid detection for speeding, or when motorists are trying to dodge being caught for outstanding warrants of arrests. The City simply cannot and will not allow this,” Smith said.
He said that according to the City of Cape Town’s traffic service, a vehicle is not deemed roadworthy if it has one or no number plates.
If motorists are caught on the road with these violations, traffic officers would issue a fine, he said, and a suspension notice of the vehicle, so that it can undergo a roadworthy test within 14 working days.
Smith said there was also an alarming increase in the number of motorists using cell phones while driving. Close on 800 cellphones were confiscated by traffic officers between July and September, he said.
In the first week of October, 101 cell phones were impounded, with 137 being confiscated the following week.
“Motorists who are unlawfully using their cell phones while driving not only obstruct traffic flow but put the lives of other motorists and pedestrians at risk.
“Traffic officers often report on how motorists operate their cell phone at intersections, stop signs and traffic lights, causing traffic to back up, because they’re not paying attention.
Article Credit To IOL.
