A text message warning against Metro Police roadblocks has been making the rounds again on WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter this December as we approach the festive season.
For the most part, the message closely resembles one sent out during December last year, except for a change in the dates.
After speaking to representatives of the Mogale City Traffic Department and the Johannesburg Metro Police departments, the News can confirm that there will in fact be daily roadblocks, now until after the festive season. The dates provided in the text message are inaccurate and drivers should remain vigilant during both the day and night.
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/305584/mogale-traffic-cracks-down-on-motorists-2/
“No mercy. One beer is over the limit,” the message also read. South Africa’s legal blood alcohol limit for driving is still less than 0,05 grams per 100 millilitres of blood. The amount of alcohol an adult needs to consume to reach this limit largely depends on body weight, age, health factors and whether the person is a casual drinker or not. It is, therefore, very difficult to know when you’ve reached your legal limit.
The message further claims that a drunk driver’s car will be impounded when arrested and that it will cost R2 000 to reclaim the vehicle. Metro Police will only impound a vehicle if a family member or friend cannot come to retrieve it. The cost to reclaim a vehicle from an impound centre can be as high as R3 000.
If a person is arrested for any reason over a weekend, he will only be able to appear before the court for bail on Monday, thus spending the rest of the weekend in a jail cell.
Regular road blocks will be held daily all across South Africa. Metro Police urges drivers to be especially careful during this time, to remain below the legal limit and to preferably have a designated driver who has not consumed any alcohol.
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