The number of people arrested for violating traffic laws since the start of December has increased by 16.2% compared to the same period last year, largely due to intensified law enforcement operations being conducted nationwide.
In addition, 53 pedestrians were arrested for jaywalking on freeways, and 26 motorists were arrested for attempting to bribe traffic officers.
This is according to the preliminary report of the 365 Days Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign for the 2025 festive season, which was released by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, during a media briefing on Friday in Cape Town.
Government — through the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), South African Police Service (SAPS), traffic police, and provincial partners – has undertaken 639 roadblocks in which 714 371 vehicles were stopped and checked.
A total of 168 427 traffic fines were issued while 3 695 unroadworthy vehicles were discontinued, and 2 552 public transport vehicles were impounded for violation of operator permits.
“Pedestrians remain our priority concern over this period, and we have noticed fewer transgressions from this category and have seen a 57.9% decrease in pedestrian arrests.
“We have also noticed a decrease in the number of drivers arrested for speeding, lowered by 7.8%, which could be attributed to greater law enforcement visibility,” the Minister said.
The highest speed was recorded in Gauteng when a female driver was caught driving 193 kilometres an hour in a 120-kilometre zone.
An Eastern Cape man was arrested after recording a breath alcohol content of 2.38 milligrams per 1 000 millilitres.
“This is ten times above the country’s legal breath alcohol limit of 0.24 milligrams of alcohol per 1000 millilitres breath. The RTMC has ensured targeted deployment of the National Traffic Police in high-risk provinces and corridors, informed by historical data and real-time monitoring.
“This approach allows government to direct resources where they are most needed, while maintaining uniform standards of enforcement across the country. These coordinated efforts have helped to save lives but remain insufficient against behavioural risks that continue to escalate,” Creecy said.
With the peak travel period around Christmas and New Year, the Minister said government will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness on the roads.
“Enforcement will be firm, visible and consistent, because every life matters. We will in the coming days maintain 24-hour high visibility patrols on highway and secondary routes.
“We will undertake alcohol operations every day of the festive season with high intensity over the weekend and we will patrol areas of pedestrian density to improve compliance with road regulations,” the Minister said.
The following remain critical concerns:
- Alcohol-related crashes.
- Excessive speed and reckless driving.
- Driver fatigue from long journeys.
“The persistence of these risky behaviours underlines a simple truth: every road death is preventable.
“As the Minister of Transport, and on behalf of the Department of Transport, I call on all South Africans to commit to responsible behaviour — not just during this festive season, but every day.
“Let us ensure that the remainder of this festive season is remembered not for tragedy, but for lives saved and families reunited safely. Together, let us make this festive period safer, and ensure that every South African arrives alive,” Creecy said.
The Minister called for all to heed the following safety tips:
- Never drink and drive.
- Obey speed limits, traffic laws and stop for pedestrians.
- Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.
- Rest sufficiently before long trips.
- Wear seatbelts and ensure children are properly restrained.
- If you are a passenger, challenge unsafe driving. If you are hosting gatherings and traditional feasts (imigidi) prevent drunk driving by arranging alternative drivers or use public transport. – SAnews.gov.za
