Drunk driving and speeding remain a challenge on our roads- MEC Shongwe
Shongwe stated that drunk driving and speeding is among the most contributors to road crashes in the province.
MBOMBELA – Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has raised concerns over the increasing number of motorists caught speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.
“This is an indication that there is still a challenge on our roads; motorists continue to neglect traffic rules therefore endangering innocent lives,” said Shongwe.
According to the MEC, in the month of May only, 23 motorists were arrested for drunk driving while eleven were arrested for excessive speeding during law enforcement operations by traffic officers in the province.
Shongwe stated that drunk driving and speeding is among the most contributors to road crashes in the province.
“The only way to deal with this scourge that continues to take away the lives of innocent people is to impose stricter sentences on law breakers.
Traffic officers must not turn a blind eye when lawlessness occurs. We will also ensure that traffic officers who take bribes are dealt with and disciplined accordingly,” said Shongwe.
Further more, 93 other motorists were also arrested for among others, overloading, driving with false documentation. 73 of these motorists were those who owed traffic fines.
Shongwe further encouraged motorists to pay their fines adding that government will take serious steps against those who fail to pay.
In the same operations, 21 025 fines were issued to motorists for different traffic violations while 1037 vehicles were impounded and 929 discontinued.
