Western Cape traffic chief Kenny Africa says officials are preparing for a major crackdown on the province\u2019s roads from tonight.<\/strong><\/p>\n Yesterday, provincial traffic officials arrested a motorist on the N1 outside Laingsburg for excessive speeding.<\/strong><\/p>\n Africa said the man, driving a black BMW sedan and who told traffic officers that he was rushing to make his flight from OR Tambo International Airport, was travelling more than 180km\/h.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately he did not make his flight and is now locked up in a cell in Laingsburg,\u201d said Africa.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWe won\u2019t be taking any nonsense on the roads this weekend. Reckless and drunk drivers will be arrested.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n The national Transport Department said that 1 400 motorists had been arrested across the country for various traffic offences since the start of the festive season.<\/strong><\/p>\n From December 1 to 18, 1 434 motorists were arrested, including 501 for drunk driving; 93 for excessive speed; 37 for reckless and\/or negligent driving; 104 for overloading; 420 for not being in possession of valid public transport permits; 16 for not being in possession of a valid driving licence; 22 for false documents; and 241 for other offences.<\/strong><\/p>\n Transport Ministry spokesman Logan Maistry said reckless drivers would be shown no mercy.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe message is clear: they will be arrested,\u201d said Maistry.<\/strong><\/p>\n As part of the December holiday road safety plan, Transport Minister S\u2019bu Ndebele joined law enforcement officers at a roadblock, and also visited a tavern in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.<\/strong><\/p>\n