Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that for the period 01 January 2026 to 27 March 2026, a total of 650 cases of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol were detected by the Police. Out of these 650 cases, I am informed that 46 suspects are at their second offence, 5 are at their third offence and 2 at their fourth offence. As regards the actions being contemplated to prevent repeating such offences, I am informed that the Police are intensifying targeted enforcement operations, including alcotest checks, vehicle checkpoints and patrols at high-risk periods and locations, whilst also pursuing public awareness and sensitisation campaigns to discourage drink driving and promote responsible behaviour. Madam Speaker, over and above these measures, Government has already announced that stringent actions are being taken, and will continue to be taken, against all forms of road traffic offences. In fact, the Road Traffic Act has recently been amended to reintroduce the penalty points system which provides for stricter sanctions, including automatic disqualification upon accumulation of penalty points. These amendments also include longer periods of licence suspension for repeated offenders, and tougher fines and penalties for serious traffic offences. Additionally, the Ministry of Land Transport is currently working on a new piece of legislation whereby vehicles of persons booked for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be immediately impounded. The Commissioner of Police will be empowered to make ex-parte application to a Judge in Chambers for the immediate suspension of driving licences in such cases.

Yes, are you alright? Okay, now I have the Third Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue, Mr Caserne! REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT – EXISTING VACANCIES – FILLING OF POSTS