430 motorists convicted for traffic offences in April

Sat, 06 May 2017 13:38:35 +0000

By KALOBWE BWALYA

THE Road Transport and Safety Agency has secured convictions in the Fast Track Court on Traffic Offences in Lusaka totaling 430 out of 525 cases prosecuted during the month of April.

RTSA public relations manager Mukela Mangolwa said among the leading convictions, 112 cases were for expired road tax, 51 for plying for hire and reward, 48 for expired test certificates, 45 unlicensed drivers, and 36 for expired and uninsured motor vehicles and 28 for expired road tax.

Mr Mangolwa said others convicted were 22 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol who were all ordered to pay fines amounting to K2,500 each and 21 for dangerous driving. “A total number of 327 motorists were taken to the Fast Track Court for Traffic Offences with some individuals having multiple counts, resulting in a total number of 525 cases. “Statistics have shown that some of the offences like driving under the influence of alcohol continue to be major contributors to road traffic crashes in the country,” Mr Mangolwa said.

Mr Mangolwa said the agency will continue its traffic law enforcement programmes countrywide in order to extend the dragnet even wider and ensure the safety of all road users.

He said the agency also planned to establish fast track courts in Central, Eastern, Copperbelt and Southern provinces.