Motorists across South Africa are advised to expect additional roadblocks and police checkpoints, as the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, announced that a 0% legal blood-alcohol limit will be implemented in June. This new restriction will work in tandem with the controversial Aarto Act.
During an interview with CapeTalk, Dr Leana Olivier, who is the chief of the Foundation for Alcohol-Related Research (FARR), said that the new law will help clarify the confusion surrounding the legal blood-alcohol limit.
“At the moment there is a lot of confusion about the legal alcohol limit for drivers in South Africa – especially as it differs for professional drivers and normal drivers,” she said. “A zero-tolerance limit in a country where we have such a major problem with driving under the influence is probably the way to go.”
Olivier warned, however, that the proposed legislation will only work if it is properly enforced.
“According to the Transport minister (Mbalula), this is going to be properly enforced from June 2020. Serious measures will be put in place including roadblocks and police check-in points in certain sections which still need to be announced,” she said. “It is going to be enforced so the general public needs to take note of this legislation.”
