Kwanele Ncalane, the spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, reported that the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) led an operation where the highest recorded blood alcohol content was over 1.26mg, surpassing the legal limit by five times. Despite attempting to evade arrest, the intoxicated driver was pursued and apprehended by the police, as confirmed by Ncalane.
In anticipation of the upcoming long weekend, Sipho Hlomuka, KZN Transport, Community Safety, and Liaison MEC, issued a decisive directive to traffic officials, urging them to crack down on drivers operating under the influence of alcohol.
Expressing encouragement for the recent arrests in Pietermaritzburg, Hlomuka emphasized the need to intensify similar operations throughout the province, focusing on central business districts (CBDs) and residential areas.
The directive includes stringent measures, such as stopping and searching all vehicles to ensure compliance with traffic regulations. The department aims to take a tough stance on those violating traffic rules ahead of the long weekend.
The department has announced an escalated effort to enforce law and order on provincial roads. Kwanele Ncalane disclosed that multi-disciplinary operations, in collaboration with various agencies such as SAPS, Municipal Traffic, and National Traffic Police, are underway across the province.
Ncalane further highlighted the ongoing implementation of the Festive Season Safety Plan by the department. This plan strategically targets areas to mitigate the occurrence of crashes and fatalities not only during the festive season but also extending beyond it.
As part of the ongoing operations, traffic officials are concentrating on activities such as stop and search, vehicle screening, scrutinizing drivers suspected of driving under the influence, inspecting the condition of vehicles, and reviewing driver documentation.
According to Ncalane, the department has introduced technology to enhance outcomes in handling traffic violations. The deployment of the Personal Operating Device (POD) marks a shift from the manual system to an electronic one, centralizing all data and enhancing efficiency in addressing traffic violations and policing on the road.
Since the commencement of the intensified operational plan on December 1, the following achievements have been recorded on the road:
241 motorists have been charged for exceeding the speed limit.
Over 18 motorists were arrested for drinking and driving.
73 drivers of public transport vehicles were arrested for operating without permits.
12 minibus taxi drivers were charged for overloading.
54 drivers were charged for not having a valid driver’s license.
26 drivers were charged for overtaking on a solid barrier line.
81 drivers were charged for overloading goods.
Hlomuka emphasized that, in collaboration with the police, the department will also focus on addressing illegal taverns.
“We will also be concentrating on ensuring that our public transport complies with all road regulations. As a government, we have recruited more traffic officers to enhance road user safety; however, we appeal to motorists to take responsibility and collaborate with us,” he said.