MEC Robin Carlisle: No Second or even First Chance for Drunk Drivers | Western Cape Government

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MEC Robin Carlisle: No Second or even First Chance for Drunk Drivers

27 October 2009
The Western Cape Minister of Transport, Robin Carlisle, is deeply disappointed by the leniency of the sentence for drunk driving in Bishop Lavis this week.

The R8000 fine meted out by the Bishop Lavis Magistrate's Court, according to media reports, was for a driver found to have a blood count more than seven times the limit. This is in stark contrast to the 18 month jail sentence imposed in the Durban High Court yesterday for a red-light runner.

"Whilst I understand that all cases are complex and can include evidence in mitigation, I personally don't believe we should be giving drunk drivers a first chance - never mind a second chance".

"The Western Cape's Safely Home campaign has a simple, yet chilling message that I believe we all should embrace: 'If you drink and drive, you're a killer'. Yes, the sentiment is harsh, but I've seen enough carnage and distraught families to know it to be true."

"The courts in Durban have set the bar at a level we should all emulate. I think it's high time for the Western Cape to show all and sundry that drunk driving will not be tolerated."

Media Enquiries: 


Solly Malatsi
Media Liaison Officer
Ministry of Transport and Public Works
Western Cape Provincial Government
Cell: 083 641 9691
Email: smalatsi@pgwc.gov.za