RTSA to revoke 33 drivers’ licences
THE Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) says about 33 drivers risk having their licenses revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol on Christmas eve.
RTSA Head of Public Relations, Frederick Mubanga says the drivers were among other road traffic offenders, who were apprehended in a joint operation which was conducted by RTSA and the Zambia Police across the country.
Mr Mubanga explained that during the operations, over 99 motorists were apprehended last night of which 33 drivers tested positive to drunk driving and risk having their licences revoked.
“We want to announce that during the operation we carried out on Tuesday night and part yesterday, we had apprehended over 99 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol. And from that number, 33 drivers tested positive for driving under the influence of alcohol,” he said.
Mr Mubanga indicated that the agency had started the proceedings to ensure that the drivers have their licences revoked under the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002.
He explained that the
Act empowers the Director or Chief Executive Officer of RTSA to revoke driver’s licence for drivers who seem to be a danger on the roads.
Mr Mubanga said it is clear that the drivers opted to drive their vehicles when they were under the influence of alcohol thereby putting their lives and for other people in danger.
Meanwhile, the Agency has set itself an ambitious task to deliver an ‘accident free Christmas festivity’ by seeking the cooperation of all road users and Zambian citizens in general in eliminating risky behavior that result in road injuries, fatalities and loss of property. Delivering his festive season road safety message to all road users, RTSA acting Director Gladwell Banda wished the Zambian people an ‘accident free Christmas festivity’ and cautioned motorists against lawlessness during this period and beyond.
Mr Banda said RTSA seeks to ensure that no life was lost on account of negligent behaviour during the festive period and beyond.
This is according to a statement made available in Lusaka yesterday.