KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Ms Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni has lambasted the 18 drunk drivers who were arrested in the province over the long weekend, for putting innocent lives at risk by driving under the influence of alcohol.
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, members of the provincial Road Traffic Inspectorate were out in full force during the long weekend and stopped 7953 vehicles at roadblocks and other operations. This resulted in 672 written charges being issued to motorists, while 51 vehicles were suspended, and 136 motorists were charged for driving without a driver’s licence. A total of 18 motorists were arrested for drunken driving and 171 motorists were charged for speeding.
Furthermore, a total of 102 motorists were charged for various offences that include failure to wear seatbelts, driving unlicenced vehicles and inconsiderate driving.
Commenting on the long weekend operations, MEC Nkonyeni warned that motorists who continue to undermine the authority of the state will be arrested as additional law enforcement authorities will be deployed on all major roads throughout the province during the Easter period as part Operation Vala multi-disciplinary law enforcement operations.
“Our law enforcement officers will continue implementing a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving because drivers who consume alcohol while driving or drive while drunk can lead to fatal road crashes. We wish to commend our Road Traffic Inspectorate officers for ensuring maximum compliance and arresting the 18 drivers who were driving under the influence of alcohol as they could have killed many innocent road users”, said MEC Nkonyeni.
MEC Nkonyeni said a large number of traffic officers will be deployed on provincial roads, predominantly covering the N2 and N3to ensure the maximum safety of motorists. Police visibility will also be intensified during the Easter period due to the expected influx of vehicles to our province.
“Our Road Traffic Inspectorate officers are not only going to focus on drunk drivers but will also concentrate on checking the roadworthiness of vehicles, overloading, as well as motorists who use mobile phones while driving. Motorists who insist on breaking the law and endangering the lives of other road users will face the dire consequences of their actions,” warned MEC Nkonyeni.