Breaking road rules could land you behind bars

ETHEKWINI Metro Police has issued a stern warning to motorists who do not abide by the rules of the road.

Even though most people believe that a traffic officer can’t arrest them, eThekwini Metro Police spokesperson Parboo Sewpersadh says there are offences which could land motorists behind bars.

“As the City we are trying to decrease road carnage on our roads. One of the ways we can ensure this is by clamping down on road rule offenders. Most people drive recklessly under the impression that they can get away with ‘small offences’,” he said.

Joining forces with the city, the SAPS recently issued more than 20 fines to motorists who drove illegally on the emergency lane of the M4 Ruth First Highway.

Also read:City to launch SMS system for traffic offences 

Speaking to the Northglen News Durban North SAPS spokesperson Raymond Deokaran said, “We’ve issued 20 fines to motorists since we began our morning operations. Strict action is going to be taken if people continue to break the law. The use of the emergency lanes is illegal and we will prosecute offenders.”

Sewpersadh went on to reiterate that motorists can face jail time for breaking road rules.

“Bribery is rife. However what people may miss is that as road officials we have systems which can track and follow up on such matters. The officer is also permitted to arrest anyone who attempts to bribe them on the spot. Which means a case will be opened with SAPS and the person could have a criminal record,” he said.

He said in the month of August alone, over 100 drunken drivers have been arrested during road blocks in various parts of the City. He said they have also issued summons and warrants amounting to millions of rands.

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Among the offences which can see a motorist arrested on the spot is exceeding the speed limit by more than 30km/h in an urban area or more than 40km/h outside of an urban area or on a freeway, leaving the scene of a crash in which you are involved without first stopping to check if injuries/damages to property or vehicles has occurred.

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