Traffic authorities and the justice department appear to be at odds over plans to get tough on motorists caught drinking and driving, it was reported on Sunday.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), traffic authorities and the police announced on Friday they would prosecute people on a main charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, for which a blood test was not required.
Motorists are usually charged with this and the alternative count of driving with a blood alcohol count over the legal limit, to secure a conviction in case one charge fails.
The Weekend Argus reported that officials would now be looking for evidence, such as bloodshot eyes and a slurred voice, to support a conviction on the main charge because it carried harsher penalties - a fine of up to R180 000 or nine years behind bars.
Backlogs at state forensic laboratories were reportedly making it difficult for the authorities to prosecute on the basis of blood tests.
The NPA said the change of focus did not mean that blood testing would be abolished.
Western Cape justice head Hishaam Mohamed has poured cold water on the plan.
"My view is that new approach may not make a major indent on the problem at hand," he told the newspaper.
He said there could be an innocent explanation for a motorist displaying the same symptoms as an inebriated person.
He said a new multi-million rand state forensic lab in Plattekloof, Cape Town, should be fully operational by February, and would help clear the blood testing backlog and improve the turnaround time for the testing of samples.
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