Engen can’t be blamed for the unavailability of disposable breathalysers at its service station shops, the company said on Thursday.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele announced earlier this week that the devices would be on sale at Engen outlets.
However, Engen retail marketing manager Pierre Roodt said none would be available at Engen outlets until January 12.
He also said Engen was only one of several retailers that had been earmarked to distribute the devices.
The fact that they were not yet available at Engen was not Engen’s fault.
”We were approached by the suppliers’ agents just weeks ago, and made it very clear then that it was very late in the day to arrange outlets, as we needed to consult our dealer network.”
Engen regretted the inconvenience to motorists, who were already trying to buy the devices.
Ndebele said on Sunday that traffic officials would stop and check no less than one million vehicles across the country throughout December and January.
Roadblocks would be set up and patrols and speed monitoring organised.
”There will be zero tolerance for all traffic offences.”
Ndebele said the traffic officials would be looking to stamp out pedestrian jaywalking, especially if the person had been drinking or was walking on a highway.
Drivers that were speeding, drinking, overtaking in unsafe situations, using cellphones, not using safety belts or ignoring red lights would be caught.
The roadworthiness of vehicles — especially taxis and buses — as well as vehicles being overloaded with goods or passengers would be checked.
”We will focus on mass movement of vehicles along main arterial routes to different provinces after industries close, as well as for holiday shopping.” — Sapa