Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusan revealed last night that authorities have flagged an alarming rise in cases of driving under influence.

Speaking at the 'Ahaa Forum' last night, Minister Ihusan said that this administration has increased police presence on the streets and increased patrols to ramp up road safety. 

Despite this, several tragic accidents have occurred on the streets in the past months, he said, stating this is owed not only to persons driving without valid driving licenses. 

He noted that some people hold licenses while being unfamiliar with traffic laws and regulations. Looking back at how some accidents were caused makes it evident that the motorists are not aware of even the most basic traffic rules, he said. 

Ihusan revealed that cases of motorists driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol have also been rising at an alarming rate. He assured that the police are stepping up efforts to address this. 

Over the past two years, 1,904 vehicles were towed for dangerous driving, the minister said, with a huge fine levied with every instance of towing. 

Criminal charges have also been raised against several offenders, he added. 

Ihusan asserted that authorities will continue to take additional measures to address traffic related issues. 

There has been heavy public criticism against the police, accusing the service of failing to adequately address the issue of dangerous driving on the roads of Male' and Hulhumale'. 

The matter received higher public attention following a recent accident on Sosun Magu, which claimed the life of a 26 year old woman. While the driver of the motorcycle which caused the accident through dangerous driving is now being held in remand in custody, authorities revealed that the man had been fined on several occasions previously for driving without a valid license.