Police expect to collect Rs. 142 million in fines, nabbing 5,705 drunk drivers in a span of 22 days, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said. The drivers were arrested as part of an ongoing special traffic operation which commenced on July 5 under the orders of Acting IGP C.D Wickramaratne.
Under S. 216 of the Motor Traffic Act the minimum fine imposed on an individual found guilty of drunk driving is Rs. 25 000. “Accordingly we expect a minimum of Rs. 142 million as fines following court proceedings” Gunasekara said.
According to the amended Motor Traffic Act, a driver of a regular vehicle could be charged with a fine between Rs. 25, 000 - Rs. 30, 000 or imprisoned for three months, while a driver of a passenger transport vehicle could face a similar fine and be imprisoned for up to six months.
Meanwhile, the Police arrested 208 drivers within 24 hours ending at 6 am yesterday (27).
“The arrests of 5,705 drunk drivers means we have averted so many accidents that could have occurred,” Gunasekara said.
The special operation conducted across the island will continue until August 5.