Mbalula on Looming Traffic Laws: Sober Motorists and Cameras for Cops
- Motorists will no longer enjoy a single alcoholic beverage before getting behind the wheel
- Minister Fikile Mbalula has highlighted that the introduction of the new zero-tolerance law could come as soon as June
- The Bill has been signed off by President Cyril Ramaphosa and enjoyed immense support in Parliament
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The government is fast approaching the implementation of a zero-tolerance law aimed at South African motorists.
Source: Getty Images
The state intends to introduce a 0% alcohol law this year, with expectations that it will be in full force by June according to Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula.
Mbalula revealed that this law has already been signed off on by President Cyril Ramaphosa, receiving immense support in Parliament.
The Transport Minister commented on the law with a warning that the consequences of taking chances would be dire:
"Before you can drive your car, you will get into it 100% sober. We are also going to implement the AARTO demerit system on lawbreakers. Demerit systems are happening everywhere in the world, where people are losing their driver licenses."
Mbalula warned that the system aims to clamp down on offenders who put lives at risk by getting behind the wheel intoxicated:
"We are tightening the screws for offenders. We know AARTO has its own opponents, but nonetheless, it has been signed by the President into law. There should be no alcohol in your blood when you drive a vehicle."
In addition to this Mbalula confirmed that new security features will be added to the new driver license slamming the high number of 'fake' motorists on the road.
The Minister also took great care in highlighting the need to eradicate corruption in the ranks of traffic officials:
"You can't trust a human being. It depends on your conscience that they will not take bribes. We must ensure that every officer on the road has a body camera that accounts for what he or she does. It will be a punishable offence for officers to remove their body cameras."
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize had commented on the controversial ban on liquor amid the Covid-19 national lockdown.
While the ban has seen the industry losing millions and placed countless jobs on the line, Mkhize has voiced his continued support for the restrictions.
Mkhize is adamant that the ban continues to relieve the embattled healthcare sector as it battles against the pandemic.
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Source: Briefly News
