18 drunk drivers arrested in KZN

EIGHTEEN drunk drivers were caught on the wrong side of the law at the weekend.

This was announced by MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison in KwaZulu-Natal, Peggy Nkonyeni. 

Speaking about the arrests, MEC Nkonyeni said, “These drivers, who were putting innocent lives at risk by drinking and driving over the long weekend, were caught by the provincial Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI). The RTI stopped and searched 7953 vehicles during the road blocks. Other operations resulted in 672 written charges issued to motorists while 51 motorists were suspended and 136 motorists were charged without driving with a licence.” 

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A total of 18 motorists were arrested for drunken driving and 171 motorists were charged for speeding.

Other charges for various offences included not wearing seatbelts, driving unlicensed cars and inconsiderate driving, said Nkonyeni. 

MEC Nkonyeni warned motorists who continue to undermine the authority of the state, that they will be arrested as additional law enforcement authorities will be deployed on all major roads throughout the province during the Easter period.

“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,” added MEC Nkonyeni.

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MEC Nkonyeni said a large number of traffic officers will be deployed on provincial roads, predominantly covering the N2 and N3 to ensure the maximum safety of motorists.

“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.

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