Western Cape traffic fines ramped up

Fines for some traffic offences in the Western Cape will increase, in some cases threefold, the province's transport department and traffic police said on Wednesday.

The new fines were an attempt to improve road safety and compliance and would come into effect on August 1, they said.

Western Cape traffic chief Kenny Africa said the offences were divided into three categories.

Serious offences would cost an offender R5000, up from R1500.

Other driving offences would cost R3000, an increase from the current R1500 fine. Less serious offences would be increased from R500 to R1500.

Drivers of unroadworthy vehicles, buses, or minibuses would be fined R3000, from the current R1000. Inconsiderate drivers would be fined R2500, up from R1000.

Drivers who failed to stop at a scholar stop or level crossing would be fined R3000, an increase from R500.

Fines for overloading would increase to between R750 and R5000, from between R250 and R2500.

"The threat of these fines will no doubt deter would-be errant motorists from engaging in irresponsible and dangerous behaviour on our roads," he said. - Sapa