WC Mobility Dept. rolls out its ‘most extensive safety operations to date’. for 2025 Festive Season

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Over 600 Western Cape provincial officers and more than 300 vehicles will be deployed across the province this festive season to ensure that residents and visitors travel safely. This was revealed by the Western Cape Mobility Department who launched its 2025 Festive Season Road Safety launch on Saturday held in Beaufort West.

COURTESY: GCIS Western Cape


During the 2024 festive season period, 106 fatal crashes and 122 fatalities were recorded in the western Cape from 1 December 2024 to 3 January 2025.

Speaking at the launch, MEC Isaac Sileku said this year’s approach is designed to ensure that every resident and visitor reaches their destination safely.

“One life lost is one too many. We enter this festive season with an unwavering determination to ensure that everyone is safe on our roads. We have a comprehensive, well-coordinated plan, but we cannot do this alone. Road safety is up to all of us, so please follow the rules of the road and take frequent breaks.”

“We want to see sons and daughters reunited with parents after a year at school. We want to see brothers meeting up after months apart working in different parts of the province. We want friends to meet in a coastal town and enjoy a braai together reflecting on the year that was,’’ added Sileku.

According to the department, it has rolled out one of its ‘most extensive safety operations to date’.

Core elements include:

·        665 traffic officers deployed around the clock across the province

·        A fleet of over 300 traffic vehicles

·        Fully operational Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Testing (EBAT) centres and mobile units for alcohol enforcement

·        Mobile Vehicle Testing Units to monitor roadworthiness, especially in the public transport and freight sectors

·        High-visibility patrols to reduce speeding, distracted driving and reckless behaviour

·        Fatigue-management interventions along long-distance routes such as the N1, N2 and N7

·        Targeted pedestrian safety operations in high-risk areas

The plan also includes joint efforts with SAPS, EMS, municipal traffic services, and various safety partners, ensuring a coordinated and rapid response to incidents. Weather and disaster contingencies form part of the integrated operational approach.

The Department further said that it will run a multi-platform awareness and behaviour change campaign focusing on fatigue, pedestrian safety, alcohol abuse, speeding, and vehicle fitness.

‘’Enforcement alone cannot change behaviour. Every motorist, passenger and pedestrian has a role to play. Check your vehicle, rest often, be patient, be vigilant, and never drink and drive. Let us work together to ensure a safer festive season for all,” said Maxine Bezuidenhout, the Department’s Chief Director: Traffic Management.

Residents and visitors are reminded that road safety is a shared responsibility. Motorists are urged to rest between long trips, obey the rules of the road, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, and respect the instructions of law enforcement officials. Pedestrians are encouraged to use designated crossings, wear visible clothing, and avoid walking near roadways while intoxicated.

“Together, let us ensure that every journey ends safely. Let us all return safely home this festive season,” said Isaac Sileku, Western Cape Mobility Department.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

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