RTSA convicts 44 motorists for various traffic offences

Announcing the convictions in Lusaka yesterday, RTSA acting public relations manager Freddie Mubanga said 14 offenders were charged with dangerous driving while 11 were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol with the rest being charged with offences ranging from unlicensed driving, obstruction, careless driving to use of unregistered vehicles.
“As of today [Tuesday], in Lusaka alone, 44 people have been arrested and convicted. We have Debbie Lungu, aged 45 of Lusaka West, who becomes the second woman to be convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol since establishment of the court in September 2013. She admitted the charge and showed remorse, hence being charged K2,500 fine as a first offender,” Mr Mubanga said.
“But Ernest Jere, a minibus driver who was also convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol as well as for not having a licence will go to prison for seven months. It is regrettable that such kind of drivers are finding their way on our roads, thus posing a danger to passengers they carry and other road users.”
He said RTSA would continue using the fast-track courts to correct erring motorists so that road safety takes root in the country.
“We shall soon roll out to other parts of the country to ensure uniformity because we intend to use the fast-track court system as a way of changing behaviour of some motorists.
“We want this system to be conducted beyond Lusaka, actually we are on high alert to ensure that road safety takes root in Zambia and we shall clamp down on motorists flouting road traffic regulations,” Mr Mubanga said.
About 4,000 motorists have been convicted since the fast-track courts were established in September last year.

Zambia Daily Mail