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METRO Police have zero tolerance for motorists who drink and drive and have intensified operations to deal with drunk drivers.
EThekwini Head of Communications, Tozi Mthethwa, said in a bid to stop drunken driving on city roads, the Metro Police had intensified its citywide weekend roadblocks.
Roadblocks are being conducted in strategic areas with the assistance of the South African Police Service.
Mthethwa said over the long weekend between Friday, 22 and Sunday, 24 September, Metro Police arrested 86 motorists for driving while under the influence.
ALSO READ: Zero tolerance for drunk drivers, warns Berea SAPS
During operations from 10 to 17 September, more than 10 000 fines were issued on various contraventions and 235 drunk drivers were arrested.
Mthethwa said in July and August, 791 motorists were arrested for being under the influence of alcohol.
Acting Head of Metro Police, Steve Middleton, issued a stern warning to motorists.
“We are warning all motorists to stay on their best behaviour and to adhere to all traffic and by-law regulations. Drunk driving endangers the lives of other motorists and pedestrians and has an impact on the whole family if lives are lost.”
Middleton encouraged motorists to nominate a designated driver, or take a taxi if they had been drinking.
ALSO READ: Berea SAPS warn against drunk driving
In addition to the roadblocks, Middleton said enforcement of other by-laws would also continue.
He said parking violations and illegal trading also made up a large portion of the fines issued by the Metro Police, as did driving without a seatbelt. Recently, almost 3 500 taxis were fined for illegal ranking, while 1502 fines were issued for un-roadworthy vehicles.
“We have received calls from concerned residents regarding public drinking in some parts of the city. We can assure residents that our officers will be out in full force and such behaviour will not be tolerated,” he said.
Residents and visitors are urged to familiarise themselves with the by-law by visiting the City’s website on https://www.durban.gov.za/ Resource_Centre/Pages/By- Laws.aspx.
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