road traffic accidents, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, infor…
(No. B/1114) Dr F. Aumeer (Third Member for Port Louis South & Port Louis Central) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to road traffic accidents, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to the number of reported cases thereof wherein drivers involved therein were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs/substances and/or without holding valid driving licences over the past three years, indicating in each case the number of – (a) fatalities that ensued, and (b) vehicles involved that were rented as contract cars and those which were rented illegally.
Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) of the Question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that from 01 January 2022 to 28 November 2025, 806 cases of road traffic accidents due to driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs or without holding a valid driving licence, were reported to the Police. Out of those 806 cases, 287 were fatal road accidents. Out of which – (a) 25 cases concern driving under the influence of alcohol; (b) 8 cases involve driving under the influence of drugs or intoxicating substances, and (c) 8 cases concern driving without a driving licence. In regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed that 110 vehicles rented as contract cars were involved in road accidents, among which, 4 were illegally rented cars. Out of the 110 rented vehicles, two were involved in fatal road accidents while driving under the influence of alcohol, and one under the influence of drugs or other intoxicating substances. These figures, Madam Speaker, are a stark reminder that reckless and unlawful driving behaviours, be it under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or without a licence, continue to
30 claim lives on our roads. Government remains fully committed to reversing that trend through stronger enforcement, enhanced legislation and smarter technology. In this regard, amendments to the Road Traffic Act are being introduced, in fact, this evening in this Assembly. The amendments will reinforce deterrence and ensure that our legal framework keeps pace with evolving road safety challenges
Thank you. Dr. Aumeer.
Thank you, hon. Prime Minister. With regard to the forthcoming legislation for what we call ‘permis à points’, may I ask the hon. Prime Minister whether, consideration will be given for those that have resulted in fatalities where there has been drink-driving and illegal consumption of drugs, that the very harshest penalties be considered such as full suspension of their license for life? Thank you.
I think this is already taken care of in the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill.
It is taken care of.
One more, please.
One more and then your next question.
Sure. Thank you, Madam Speaker. May I also ask the hon. Prime Minister whether, he will use his good office so that the court system in this country introduces a fast-track system whereby there have been fatalities, secondary once again, to drugged driving or illegal consumption of drugs so that the chances of being released on bail, which cause so much discomfort to bereaved families, are minimised and these people are put behind bars at the quickest opportunity that the court can find?
But that depends on the court.
Yes, but I can say that the hon. Attorney General, in fact, is looking at all these measures. There are some oppositions to it, I must say, but we are going to go ahead with that. We need to have a fast-track justice wherever there are problems like this. We cannot wait for 6 months, one year or two years.
Thank you.
Okay. Interesting!
31 Dr. Aumeer, your next question! WHITE COLLAR CRIMES – ARRESTS UNDER PROVISIONAL CHARGES – MEDICAL ASSISTANCE & BAIL