FOURTEEN people were arrested for drunk driving on Umhlanga off-ramp on Saturday night. The roadblock organised by the Durban North SAPS and the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) occurred  just hours after the horrific crash on the M4 which claimed the lives of six people.

uMhlanga ward councillor Heinz de Boer said it was concerning to have so many drunk drivers using a freeway. “In the past these types of roadblocks have taken place on the M41 and N2. These drivers were hoping to escape being caught by the police and put the lives of other residents in the area in danger.

“With the festive season just a month away, we need more roadblocks like this; especially on Umhlanga Rocks Drive. Research has shown that high police visibility can reduce drunk driving fatalities. The station have assured me there will be more roadblocks through this period,” De Boer said.

He added the roadblock was also a result of public pressure and of his efforts to combat the scourge of drunk and reckless driving as well as speeding on residential roads.