Four drivers arrested after alleged street racing and N1 patrol vehicle crash - IOL

The road closure had been clearly marked with cones and blue lights when the driver of a BMW M40 allegedly drove through the cones.

Four motorists were arrested in separate incidents on the N1 near Cape Town, including three allegedly involved in a street race and another accused of driving through a road closure while intoxicated.

Three motorists were arrested after an alleged street race from the Cape Town CBD ended with a Mercedes-Benz crashing into a stationary City of Cape Town Highway Patrol vehicle early on Saturday morning, Cape Argus reported.

The incident happened at about 3am while the City’s Highway Unit was attending to a truck crash on the N1 outbound near the Koeberg Interchange.

According to Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith, CCTV operators spotted three vehicles allegedly racing from the CBD along FW de Klerk Boulevard.

One of the vehicles, a Mercedes-Benz, crashed into the stationary patrol vehicle at the scene, causing significant damage.

CCTV footage was used to identify all three vehicles, and their drivers were arrested.

The Mercedes driver faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and illegal street racing, while the drivers of two GTIs were arrested for reckless driving and illegal street racing.

All three vehicles were towed and impounded.

The cases are being processed at Maitland police station, with the City’s Safety and Security Investigation Unit assisting SAPS detectives.

About two hours later, officers at the same scene arrested another motorist after an alleged breach of a temporary road closure.

At around 5am, the Highway Unit closed the road temporarily to allow the damaged truck to be recovered, with traffic diverted through Paarden Eiland.

Smith said the closure had been clearly marked with cones and blue lights when the driver of a BMW M40 allegedly drove through the cones.

The driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested for driving under the influence and reckless or negligent driving.

No vehicles were damaged and nobody was injured in that incident. The BMW was also impounded.

Smith said the incidents highlighted the role of technology in identifying dangerous driving and supporting enforcement action.

“Traffic Services will continue using CCTV, drones, vehicle dash cameras, body-worn cameras and other available technology to identify dangerous and unlawful driving behaviour.”

He said evidence obtained through the technology would be used to support prosecutions.

The arrests come as the City continues its enforcement efforts against illegal street racing and driving under the influence of alcohol.