East London - In an effort to reduce the high death toll on South African roads, traffic authorities will be coming down hard on motorists caught driving under the influence of alcohol next month.
Road Traffic Management Corporation acting CEO, Collins Letsoalo, said the corporation and the Transport Department will be running a special campaign in October.
"We won't show any mercy to road users who think that public roads are an extension of their shebeens or pubs," said Letsoalo.
He said drastic action was necessary, considering that over 100 people have already died on South African roads in September alone.
Letsoalo said traffic officers would be paying particular attention to roads where a high number of accidents have been reported.
Earlier this week, Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele confirmed he was considering reviewing the legal blood-alcohol level. The current limit is 0.05g/100ml, equivalent to two units of alcohol or two cans of beer. The limit is 0.02 for professional drivers who drive buses, taxis and freight vehicles.
East London motorist Thembile Wapi said he fully supported Ndebele's decision and hoped it would be implemented before the festive season.
"This should have been done a long time ago. While I support the minister's decision, it is also going to require dedicated work from traffic officials," said Wapi.
Letsoalo appealed to party-goers to enjoy themselves responsibly and urged parents to arrange reliable transport for pupils attending matric farewells.
He also appealed to companies to arrange drivers for employees attending year-end functions. - BuaNews
