SINCE Friday, law enforcement has arrested and charged more than 128 motorists for drunk driving in operations across eThekwini, including KwaMashu and uMhlanga.

On Saturday night (going into Sunday morning), Durban North SAPS, Durban Metro Police Service, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and the Durban North CPF conducted operations in uMhlanga which resulted in the arrest of 45 drivers for drunk driving.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to reduce road fatalities and promote responsible driving.

Durban North CPF public relations officer Darryl Oliver explained that one of the drivers arrested in the roadblock in uMhlanga was almost three times over the legal limit.

Also read: Umhlanga residents urged to formally report loud cars, speeding

“We commend the officers for remaining professional and courteous, despite barrages of insults from both drivers, passengers and members of the public throughout the night. What was concerning as well was the number of drivers being stopped and detained with their ice cold alcoholic beverages, in their laps, cup holders or badly concealed,” he said.

According to Oliver, fines were also handed out to drivers of vehicles without number plates, expired discs, and unlicenced vehicles.

The arrests also come weeks after comments from Transport Minister Barbara Creecy proposed scrapping the legal alcohol consumption limit in the country.

“The time has come for us to amend the law so we have a clear-cut, easy to understand and unambiguous policy that says drinking and driving is not allowed. A law that allows drivers to drink a certain amount and get behind the wheel of a car must be scrapped,” she said at the time.

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