PORT ELIZABETH - NMB MUNICIPALITY SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT REGARDING MOTORIST POLICIES

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has clarified claims on social media about the action that may be taken against motorists who use their cellphones while driving or those who drive without their licences.

"NMBM has distanced itself from information that has gone viral on social media with regard to the usage of cellphones while driving by motorists," its spokesperson Mthubanzi Mniki said in a statement.

According to the information, allegedly from an unnamed DA councillor, any motorist talking on a mobile phone while driving will have their phones confiscated and will be fined R2 500.

"Although it is illegal to talk on the cellphone while driving, there is currently no policy in place to confiscate the mobile phones of motorists. However, a person can be fined an amount of R750 according to the current municipal policy," safety and security mayoral committee member councillor John Best said.

NMBM has also denied that those driving without their drivers' licences would be taken into custody and be liable for a fine of R1 000.

According to Best, a person driving without a licence can only be arrested once a warrant of arrest has been issued.

"However, motorists are warned to refrain from doing illegal acts. If caught, the law will take its course with the relevant fines issued to offenders," Best said.

VIA - news24.com