Lusaka motorist convicted for driving under the Influence of alcohol

THE Lusaka Fast Track court on Traffic offences has convicted a Lusaka motorist for driving under the Influence of alcohol contrary to Section 157 of the Road Traffic Act number 11 of 2002.

Magistrate Betty Malupenga convicted and sentenced Meleki Hastings, 30, to six months imprisonment with effect from August 10, 2016 for driving a Motor vehicle, Registration Number ALJ 5881 while under the influence of alcohol.

RTSA public relations manager Mukelwa Mangolwa said in a statement to Mwebantu that from the SIXTEEN (16) cases that were taken before the courts by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) in the month of August 2016, fifteen (15) motorists were convicted for various traffic offences.

The court secured a total of 22 convictions out of a total of 16 motorists prosecuted during the month of August for various traffic offences with others appearing for multiple offences; bringing the total number of cases to 24.

Among the leading cases taken to the Lusaka Fast Track Court in the month of August were, six cases for dangerous driving, three for expired road tax, and three for obstruction of Motorway.

However, despite the reduction in convictions in the Fast Track court, the country has continued to record a high number of fatalities and road crashes, most of which are as a result of drunk driving and over speeding.

Mr Mukela reiterated its warning to all motorists to observe road traffic regulation as those found wanting will be prosecuted.
He said, “the Agency is also appealing for change in driver attitude and behaviour if the country is to record a reduction in the number of road traffic accidents”.