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24/11/2016
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)
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)
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29 November 2001
Police take a tough line on drink driving over Christmas
The police will be taking a tough line on drink driving over Christmas and the New Year according to the head of road policing in Northern Ireland. “Bump - And You’re Breathalysed” is the stark warning from the Police Service of Northern Ireland to mark the launch of this year’s Christmas anti-drink driving campaign.
Police take a tough line on drink driving over Christmas
The police will be taking a tough line on drink driving over Christmas and the New Year according to the head of road policing in Northern Ireland. “Bump - And You’re Breathalysed” is the stark warning from the Police Service of Northern Ireland to mark the launch of this year’s Christmas anti-drink driving campaign.
24 September 2015
Novice Drivers Most 'At Risk' On Roads
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Novice Drivers Most 'At Risk' On Roads
Novice drivers are the most at risk on Northern Ireland roads, according to statistics released by Department of Environment (DoE) in relation to the NI Road Safety Strategy (NIRSS).
29 May 2012
Shake-up For Learner Drivers In The Pipeline
The Environment Minister has tabled plans that amount to a radical shake-up of the rules for learner drivers. Teenagers could be able to get behind the wheel at the age of 16-and-a-half, and the 45mph speed limit for new drivers could be scrapped.
Shake-up For Learner Drivers In The Pipeline
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08 January 2002
Police report rise on last year’s drink-driving figures
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Police report rise on last year’s drink-driving figures
The police have reported drink-driving statistics over the Christmas period have increased on last year. A total of 365 drink drivers were detected during this year’s joint Christmas anti-drink driving campaign by police and the Department of Environment.
13 May 2014
Younger Drivers Targeted In Drink Drive Laws
Younger drivers are being targeted in new drink drive laws introduced today in Northern Ireland. In the first major shake up since 1968, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has introduced legislation into the Assembly for lower drink drive limits in Northern Ireland.
Younger Drivers Targeted In Drink Drive Laws
Younger drivers are being targeted in new drink drive laws introduced today in Northern Ireland. In the first major shake up since 1968, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has introduced legislation into the Assembly for lower drink drive limits in Northern Ireland.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
