fatal road accidents in which drivers involved are found to have been driving under the influence of drugs o…
(No. B/1053) Mr E. Juman (First Member for Port-Louis Maritime & Port-Louis East) 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 fatal road accidents in which drivers involved are found to have been driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and/or without holding valid driving licences, he will – 152 (a) for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to the number of cases thereof since January 2025 to date, and (b) state whether consideration will be given for amendments to be brought to the legislation to provide for severer punishments of the offenders in such cases.
Reply: With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that from 01 January 2025 to 20 November 2025, the number of fatal road accidents due to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or without holding valid driving licences, reported to the Police are as follows – (a) 4 accidents concern drivers tested positive for alcohol; (b) 4 accidents concern drivers tested positive for drugs or intoxicating substances, and (c) 4 accidents concern drivers who were also driving without a licence. All these cases are still under investigation. Regarding part (b) of the question, I am informed by the Ministry of Land Transport that the Penalty Points System will be introduced in January 2026. This will aim at imposing stricter penalties on offenders for reckless and irresponsible behaviour, as well as drink/drug driving. Also, the system of issuance of driving licences is being modernised to introduce QR codes and other technological features to detect drivers using fake driving licences. I am further informed by the Commissioner of Police that an amendment to the Road Traffic Act to introduce “Motor Manslaughter” with regard to serious and aggravating road traffic offences, is being considered. Such an offence would be invoked when a driver shows a serious disregard for the safety of other road users, including actions like excessive speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or any conduct that demonstrates a wilful neglect of safety. Upon conviction, individuals could face severe criminal penalties, such as mandatory imprisonment, long-term licence disqualification and compulsory rehabilitation programmes. UNAUTHORISED ONLINE MONEY WITHDRAWAL – LOCAL BANKS CUSTOMERS – REPORTED CASES