(4 minutes read)
· The South African government may introduce a new legislation to address the growing incidences of mixing driving with drinking to avoid motor accidents, which the government sources attribute to excessive drinking by the drivers.
· Experts feel that this may give a further jolt to the hotel and hospitality industry, whose business is linked to some extent to operation of bars and restaurants, which serve liquor
The South African government may introduce a new legislation to address the growing incidences of mixing driving with drinking to avoid motor accidents, which the government sources attribute to excessive drinking by the drivers. Experts feel that this may give a further jolt to the hotel and hospitality industry, whose business is linked to some extent to operation of bars and restaurants, which serve liquor. .
The industry associations representing the hospitality and tourism sector say that such stringent rules in practice will be counter productive. They feel that the government should implement the existing laws in letter and spirit to address the rash driving under the influence of liquor. The amendment will have a negative impact on the tourism and restaurant industry in South Africa, adding to its present woes
Echoing the same views, the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) has also said that changing traffic laws relating to drunk driving is meaningless. The association suggests that more effectively rash driving can be combated by reducing the allowable alcohol limits for drivers. The courts should also impose tougher sentences on offenders. Another segment of the population thinks that real change can be brought about changing the mindset of the people. That needs a combination of persuasion, education and punishment to the offenders. Legislation alone can do very little in this regard.
Transport minister Fikile Mbalula said that the government would introduce the new legislation on drinking and driving by December 2020. The Road Traffic Amendment Bill was introduced in parliament in ating i a 0% alcohol limit for all motorists. Under the amended act, no one will be able to drive a vehicle, or occupy the driver’s seat while the engine is running, with any concentration of alcohol in their system.
