Durban - The name and shame pilot project of drinking and driving offenders has officially begun in KwaZulu-Natal and a few road users in the province have embraced the idea.
KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, launched the name and shame campaign last week, with the intention of changing people's mindsets.
The department's new initiative is a joint venture with an NGO known as the South Africans against Drunk Drivers (SADD).
"As government, we are readying ourselves not only to make this costly tendency to use the road irresponsibly unfashionable and outmoded, but it is our priority to continue to force road users to worry about not breaking traffic laws more than they do now," said Mchunu.
The department continues to deal with traffic laws violation as people worry more about getting caught speeding or drinking and driving rather than the fatal consequences of committing these crimes.
Mchunu explained that the one thing that stops people from driving under the influence of alcohol is that they are afraid of the legal, social and financial repercussions of their actions.
"We believe that as our people become familiar with these consequences they will change their behaviour and stop drunk driving," said Mchunu.
Part-time teacher Neville Grimmit said: "I think that this is a good idea, especially for repeat offenders because the fines do not scare them anymore so maybe if they are embarrassed in the media it might make a difference."
The campaign shows people the reality of driving licenses being suspended, people being jailed, and large fines handed out.
It also serves as an example to magistrates that drunk driving is a serious matter, and encourages them to increase their fines, as per the Amendment of Fines Act that recommends fines of up to R120 000 and automatic removal of licenses.
More than 50 drivers during each publication would suffer exposure and humiliation, and this may also enable their superiors to know that they are driving company vehicles whilst under the influence.
Jerome Govender said he "fully agrees with campaign, but people will argue that their constitutional rights will be violated. [On the other hand] they committed a crime and they must be exposed, a hefty fine won't stop them but public humiliation might."
A lawyer who didn't want to be named said if the person is convicted, that information is already in the public domain so there would not be any issues, "hence this could pass of as constitutional muster."
Make-up artist Shamain Rampersad also welcomed the campaign, saying it was a good idea because people will be more aware of the offenders.
"People will be humiliated as well knowing that their names are going to be published ... so in turn, maybe it will bring the number of offenders down," said Rampersad.
An alternative healer from Durban, Karen Moore, said while she doesn't favour punishments such as the death penalty, she does think this campaign is a great one.
"I agree with the campaign because it is a serious issue that involves people's lives and something needs to be done about it," said Moore.
For the month of December 2010 in KZN, 416 drivers were caught driving drunk, while in January this year, 215 drivers were nabbed for the same violation.
