POLICE in KZN are intensifying enforcement of law and order on the roads this festive season and targeting strategic areas to reduce accidents.

The first weekend of the festive season clampdown saw the arrest in Pietermaritzburg of 14 motorists driving under the influence of alcohol.

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One female motorist was five times the legal limit, at a blood alcohol level of 1.26mg.

According to reports, she attempted to run away but the SAPS members gave chase and she was arrested.

The Department of Transport is implementing its Festive Season Safety Plan, which will see multi-disciplinary operations involving the department, SAPS, municipal and national traffic police, rolled out throughout the province.

Operations will include stop-and-search, vehicle screening, screening of drivers suspected to be under the influence, checking roadworthiness of vehicles, and checking driver documentation.

The department said it has also deployed technology to improve outputs in addressing traffic violations.

The Personal Operating Device (POD) is a move from manual to an electronic system, in which all data is centralised and efficiency in dealing with traffic violations is improved.

Since the start of intensified operations on 1 December, the following has been achieved:
• 241 motorists have been charged for exceeding the speed limit
• More than 18 motorists arrested for drinking and driving
• 73 drivers of public transport vehicles arrested for operating permits
• 12 drivers of minibus taxis charged for overloading
• 54 drivers charged for not being in possession of a valid driver’s licence
• 26 drivers charged for overtaking on a solid barrier line
• 81 drivers charged for overloading of goods.

With the long weekend approaching, Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Sipho Hlomuka has issued a clear directive to traffic officials to clamp down on all drivers driving under the influence of alcohol.

“The arrests in Pietermaritzburg over the weekend are encouraging. Working with the police, we will also be paying attention to illegal taverns, as well as ensuring public transport complies with all road regulations.

“We have recruited more traffic officers to improve the safety of road users, however, we appeal to motorists to take responsibility and work with us,” said Hlomuka

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