traffic Fast-track court prosecutes 2,485

THE fast-track court on traffic offences has prosecuted 2, 485 people in the first quarter of the year, Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) information officer Frederick Mubanga has said.
The 2,485 people were prosecuted for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, expired road tax and expired fitness test certificates.
Mr Mubanga said this in an interview in Lusaka on Sunday.
“RTSA has also noted that the number of unlicensed drivers has increased on public roads. A fortnight ago, we conducted an operation and within an hour, 46 unlicensed drivers were arrested,” Mr Mubanga said.
He said the 46 unlicensed drivers have appeared before the fast-track court on traffic offences.

Mr Mubanga said RTSA has scaled-up operations to screen unlicensed drivers, people driving under the influence of alcohol and has enhanced speed management on highways.
Mr Mubanga said the fast-track court has made a positive impact on traffic enforcement.
“Prior to launch of the fast track court, 20 to 35 accidents were recorded per week but the number of accidents has reduced to six and 10 per week.
“We believe that with time, through the fast track court, there will be a change in driver attitude and behaviour,’’ he said.
Mr Mubanga said RTSA will before the end of this year open fast-track courts in Ndola, Chipata, Kitwe and Livingstone.
He said the fast-track court will be rolled out to the rest of the country next year.