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Drunk drivers beware – your days are numbered

To prioritise road safety and combat drunk driving, the City of Tshwane has introduced the Mobile Alcohol Evidence Bus. This initiative is a direct response to the alarming prevalence of drunk driving in our communities, which has devastating consequences for individuals and their families.

The acquisition of the Mobile Alcohol Evidence Bus is a game changer for the Tshwane Metro Police Department, as this bus is equipped with advanced testing equipment, which enables swift and accurate alcohol tests for motorists, thus reinforcing the City’s commitment to creating a safer environment for residents and visitors alike. The bus can also be used as a mobile command centre during operations.

This bus is equipped with a Dräger machine which has been approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions and certified by the Road Traffic Management Corporation to comply with regulations. Gone are the days when police officers had to drive around with suspected drunk drivers looking for a district surgeon (doctor) to draw their blood. The Dräger machine is calibrated and the certificate is kept on the bus.

Outstanding traffic fines can also be checked inside the bus and drivers can make payment by means of a speed point. No cash will be accepted. CCTV cameras have been installed inside the bus to record whatever is happening. This footage can be used as evidence in court.

During roadblocks held over the weekend, three illegal firearms, ammunition and seven cell phones were recovered from a hijacked vehicle. One of the firearms was a South African Police Service pistol that had been stolen during a burglary. A Toyota Fortuner that had been stolen in the Garsfontein area was also recovered, much to the delight of its lawful owner.

To date, about 128 AARTO fines with a monetary value of R96 050 have been issued. The capabilities of the new Mobile Alcohol Evidence Bus not only ensured a total of 23 drunk driving arrests, but also enabled the Tshwane Metro Police Department to have motorists pay nearly R6 000 in outstanding fines through the payment system on the bus.

Safety on our roads is a shared responsibility. The success of this initiative depends on strong collaboration between law enforcement, local communities, businesses and civil society. Together, we can make a significant impact on reducing incidents of drunk driving and ensuring the well-being of our communities.

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