250 penalties for speeding at the Pailles-Port Louis motorway on Christmas Day

About 10,000 officers from different police divisions such as the Traffic Branch, the Central Investigation Division and the Special Mobile Force are present in nearly all regions across the island on high alert.

The road checks will continue till January 5, then routine checks will be organised across the country.

“The Traffic Branch, with its 300 officers, supported by other police divisions, is doing its best to deter people from committing road related offences,” said inspector Goinsamy Veerasami from the Traffic Branch.

He added that several breath alcohol tests were carried out. Seven drivers were tagged for drunk driving.

Police also fined motorists caught using a mobile phone while driving. Such breaking of the law carries a fine of Rs 2,000. Veerasami stressed that the core goal was to change people’s behaviour and to reduce accidents number.

The number of fines issued this year was close to the number during the same period last year, he added. He asked pedestrians and motorcyclists to be careful as there are more vehicles on the road during the festive season leading to a higher risk of accidents.

“I request motorists to drive carefully and consume as little alcohol as possible before driving,” said Veerasami.