Cape town: 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.
According to South African Government News Agency, the preliminary report of the 365 Days Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign for the 2025 festive season was released by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy. The report, covering the period from 1 December to 16 December 2025, was shared during a media briefing on Friday. Government efforts, through the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), South African Police Service (SAPS), traffic police, and provincial partners, have resulted in 639 roadblocks where 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. Additionally, 53 pedestrians were arrested for jaywalking on freeways, and 26 motorists were arrested for attempting to bribe traffic officers.
Minister Creecy highlighted a 57.9% decrease in pedestrian arrests, which is a priority concern during this period. There has also been a 7.8% reduction in driver arrests for speeding, attributed to greater law enforcement visibility. The highest speed recorded was in Gauteng, where a female driver was caught driving 193 kilometres an hour in a 120-kilometre zone. An Eastern Cape man was arrested with a breath alcohol content of 2.38 milligrams per 1,000 millilitres, ten times above the legal limit.
The RTMC is utilizing targeted deployment of the National Traffic Police in high-risk areas informed by historical data and real-time monitoring. This strategy allows the government to allocate resources where most needed while maintaining uniform enforcement standards nationwide. Despite these efforts, behavioural risks such as alcohol-related crashes, excessive speed, reckless driving, and driver fatigue remain critical concerns.
With the peak travel period around Christmas and New Year, government plans to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to road lawlessness. Minister Creecy emphasized the importance of firm, visible, and consistent enforcement, with 24-hour high visibility patrols on highways and secondary routes. Daily alcohol operations will be conducted throughout the festive season, with heightened intensity over weekends, and patrols will focus on areas with high pedestrian density.
Minister Creecy urged all South Africans to commit to responsible behaviour on the roads, emphasizing that every road death is preventable. The Minister shared safety tips, urging drivers to never drink and drive, obey speed limits, ensure vehicles are roadworthy, rest sufficiently before long trips, and wear seatbelts. Passengers are encouraged to challenge unsafe driving, and hosts of gatherings should prevent drunk driving by arranging alternative transportation.
The Minister concluded with a call to action, hoping for a festive season remembered not for tragedy but for lives saved and families reunited safely. – SAnews.gov.za