THE 20-year jail term imposed on taxi driver Jacob Humphreys was welcomed by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele, who hoped it would deter reckless driving.

"Those who are turning our roads into killing fields must be isolated and exposed ," he said in a statement.

"As government, we want to make it very clear that we remain steadfast in our resolve to bring down the fatality rate on our roads."

Ndebele said the department would pursue those who drove recklessly, inconsiderately or while drunk.

Western Cape MEC for transport Robin Carlisle said yesterday that Humphreys's sentence was a turning point in the history of road safety.

"By convicting and sentencing Humphreys so severely for murder and attempted murder, the judiciary has itself delivered a drastic boost to road safety," he said in a statement.

"Reckless drivers will surely sit up and take note that from now on killers will receive their just deserts in prison."

Carlisle said it was critical for citizens to do their part by obeying the rules of the road. - Sapa