PSNI Launch New Legislation To Carry Out Random Breath Tests On Drivers

Police have launched new legislation which enables officers to carry out random breath tests at vehicle checkpoints throughout Northern Ireland.

The winter drink drive operation will come into effect on Friday, 25 November.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: "Our basic message remains the same; there is no safe limit, so never EVER drink and drive. This new legislation gives police another tool that will hopefully help us to prevent people taking life-threatening, unacceptable, simply stupid risks.

"Previously, police officers needed a reasonable suspicion about the manner of someone’s driving, have seen a moving traffic offence, or been called to a collision before requiring a preliminary breath test from a driver. The new legislation means we can now establish vehicle checkpoints solely for the purpose of carrying out random breath tests, something which we hope will act as an even more visible, physical deterrent.

"Just one drink can impair ability to drive. Considering that in some instances, we have stopped drivers who were so drunk, they could barely stand when they got out of their vehicle, just beggars belief."

In addition to running operations to catch drink drivers throughout the day and night, in the weeks leading up to Christmas and into the New Year, Police will again coordinate road safety operations in border counties with colleagues from An Garda Síochána Traffic Corp.

Assistant Chief Constable Todd continued: "Let me be absolutely clear. If you find yourself asking the question, I wonder if I'm ok to drive? The answer is; you are not. Do not take the risk. The consequences, as police officers and our emergency service colleagues witness first hand, can be catastrophic.

"Our aim with this operation is to keep people safe. People need to put as much effort into planning how to get home safely, as they do planning their night out. I do not want police officers knocking on doors at any time of the year, but especially over Christmas and the New Year, to tell families that a loved one has been killed on the roads."

(CD)