Cape Town - Road deaths in the Western Cape have increased in the first 10 days of December compared to the same period last year, transport MEC Robin Carlisle said on Thursday.
“The first 10 days of December have seen 62 people being killed on the Western Cape roads, compared to 43 in 2011 - an increase of 31 percent,” he said in a statement.
Of the 62 people killed, 28 were passengers and 20 pedestrians.
“This has been a very grim start to the festive season, with lives being lost at a rate of six per day.”
He said the high proportion of passenger deaths indicated people were not wearing seat belts.
“(Therefore) in addition to the continuing measures in respect of drunk driving, speeding and fatigue management, the enforcement of buckling up amongst back seat passengers will be intensified.”
Between August 2011 and June 2012, Cape Town traffic officers issued a total of 13 621 fines for seatbelts not being used, 415 fines for seatbelts not meeting required specifications, and 56 for children not being effectively restrained. - Sapa