A driver allegedly found fast asleep behind the wheel on the N2 in Cape Town has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The City says its Metro Police officers were investigating a vehicle blocking a lane when they discovered the man sleeping inside the vehicle on Saturday, 29 August.

The vehicle was blocking the right-turn lane at the on-ramp to Jakes Gerwel Drive from the N2.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says officers woke the driver and quickly became suspicious when they noticed his slurred speech and the strong smell of alcohol.

“It is shocking to think the driver was so inebriated he couldn’t keep his vehicle going or stay awake behind the wheel. Driving drunk puts lives at risk and shatters families. He was arrested before that happened and hopefully the courts will ensure there are appropriate consequences for his actions.”

Smith says the City has a zero-tolerance approach to driving under the influence and any motorist caught driving under the influence will be detained.

“The safety of our residents will not be compromised within our Metro.”

The driver was among 407 people arrested by the City’s enforcement departments during the past week.