Prime Minister outlines measures to address drink driving and repeat offences

A total of 650 cases of driving under the influence of alcohol have been detected by the Police from 01 January to 27 March 2026, with a number of repeat offenders, said the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, yesterday, in reply to a Parliamentary Question in the National Assembly.

The Prime Minister indicated that, out of the 650 cases, 46 suspects were at their second offence, five at their third offence, and two at their fourth offence, according to information provided by the Commissioner of Police.

He recalled that the Police is intensifying targeted enforcement operations to curb drink driving, including alcotest checks, vehicle checkpoints and increased patrols during high-risk periods and at strategic locations. These efforts are being complemented by public awareness and sensitisation campaigns aimed at promoting responsible behaviour among road users.

Dr Ramgoolam further underlined that Government is taking stringent action against all forms of road traffic offences. The Road Traffic Act has recently been amended to reintroduce the penalty points system, providing for stricter sanctions such as automatic disqualification upon accumulation of points, longer licence suspension periods for repeat offenders, and tougher fines for serious offences, he said.

Moreover, he announced that the Ministry of Land Transport is preparing a new legislation to allow for the immediate impounding of vehicles belonging to individuals caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The proposed measures will also empower the Commissioner of Police to apply to a Judge in Chambers for the immediate suspension of driving licences in such cases.

01 April 2026

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