CoCT concerned over motorists being three sheets to the wind

Drunk driving in Cape Town remains a concern. The City of Cape Town said more than 70 motorists were arrested in the past week for driving under the influence of alcohol.

PICTURE: Getty Images

A 38-year-old driver was arrested on Youth Day after Metro Police stopped him in Kirstenhof as he was driving without headlights. According to the City’s Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, when officers stopped the vehicle, they found an alcohol bottle inside the door panel, and detected a strong smell of alcohol on the driver. They conducted a breathalyser test and subsequently arrested him.

In a similar incident, added Smith, a 33-year-old man was arrested in Symphony Way, Belhar, after the breathalayser test confirmed that he too was inebriated.

‘’We’re dealing with a lot due to the weather, and then you have those among us who insist on creating additional problems by behaving badly. It’s utterly shocking to see how many drunk drivers continue to be arrested week after week. It’s hard enough operating a vehicle in good weather conditions when you’re sober, but doing so, while impaired, in the type of downpours we’ve seen recently, is both stupid and dangerous. Our enforcement agencies spend an inordinate amount of time policing the impacts of substance abuse, both alcohol and drugs – which means time away from other priorities,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

PICTURED: Mayco member for Safety & Security, JP Smith, at Bush Radio

 

Done By: Mitchum George