Drunk drivers are warned of new testing device
Department of transport hands two breathalyser machines to Margate Saps.
For years, alcohol and drug screening devices have helped police identify law breakers, defuse confrontations and bring watertight evidence to court.
Coming into the festive season, Victor Chetty, Director Road Traffic Inspectorate, Reon du Plessis (RTI Head of Training), Gerhard Schafer (RTI Logistics) and Bruce Aitken from Dräger South Africa recently handed over two Dräger alcohol testing machines to the Margate Saps.
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Captain Luvuyo Nomaqhiza and Sergeant Melinda Carter from Margate Saps were trained in the use of the machines by Dräger South Africa and will spearhead the use of the new devices at roadblocks, both during the festive season and well into the new year.
“The message is very clear that every time we stop a motorist they will be breathalysed, ” said Mr Chetty.
“As the law currently stands (Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1998), the legal limit for driving must be less than 0.05 g of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. In a breathalyser test, the concentration of alcohol must be less than 0,24 mg of alcohol per 1 000 ml of breath.”
He added that Margate police station staff as well as Law Enforcement officers would be using the devices.
“It is hoped that this new system will deter motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol, and help save lives on the South Coast.”
Acting Margate station commander, Colonel Scelo Machi thanked the Department of Transport, saying “As we head into the festive season we want to make the South Coast roads much safer for everyone.”
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