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09/11/2020
New Drink Driving Legislation Comes Into Force
New legislation to prevent suspected drink drivers from evading prosecution by delaying testing has come into effect today, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.
Announcing the new legislation, Minister Nichola Mallon said: "One of my priorities is to improve and promote road safety. From today, a change in law will abolish a driver's right to request a replacement blood or urine specimen where a breath specimen is marginally above the legal alcohol limit. The removal of the 'statutory option' is a much needed update to road traffic legislation in Northern Ireland.
"This right was first introduced as a safeguard at a time when breath testing equipment was a new technology and there was a need for caution. While advances in technology and rigorous testing of devices has made the requirement obsolete, up until today, drivers could still put the option to use but for the wrong reason. It can be used as a delaying tactic as the time taken to arrange a replacement sample to be taken by a doctor, means it is likely the alcohol level will have fallen since the point of detection. This can lead to rightful prosecution being successfully evaded.
"Make no mistake, drink driving can kill. There is no excuse and I want to take a zero tolerance approach. All road users deserve to feel safe and should be protected from those who recklessly get behind the wheel. This action is to help keep our roads safe and protect everyone in our community."
The Minister continued: "Keeping our roads safe is everyone's responsibility. The current Covid-19 crisis means frontline services are facing unparalleled pressures and with Christmas approaching this is a timely step in increasing the fight against drink driving and the harm it causes. However, the simple message remains, any alcohol consumption is unsafe when driving – it's not worth the risk. The only safe amount of alcohol you can have, and drive, is none. Don't risk it."
Assistant Chief Constable Jonathan Roberts added: "The Police Service welcomes the removal of the 'statutory option' from road traffic legislation in Northern Ireland. Police officers and our emergency service colleagues regularly respond to serious collisions in which people are killed and seriously injured, where the consumption of alcohol has been a factor. Our message is clear. One drink can impair. One drink can cause a collision. One drink, can cause a collision which kills or injures. Never, ever drink and drive. There is no safe limit."
Announcing the new legislation, Minister Nichola Mallon said: "One of my priorities is to improve and promote road safety. From today, a change in law will abolish a driver's right to request a replacement blood or urine specimen where a breath specimen is marginally above the legal alcohol limit. The removal of the 'statutory option' is a much needed update to road traffic legislation in Northern Ireland.
"This right was first introduced as a safeguard at a time when breath testing equipment was a new technology and there was a need for caution. While advances in technology and rigorous testing of devices has made the requirement obsolete, up until today, drivers could still put the option to use but for the wrong reason. It can be used as a delaying tactic as the time taken to arrange a replacement sample to be taken by a doctor, means it is likely the alcohol level will have fallen since the point of detection. This can lead to rightful prosecution being successfully evaded.
"Make no mistake, drink driving can kill. There is no excuse and I want to take a zero tolerance approach. All road users deserve to feel safe and should be protected from those who recklessly get behind the wheel. This action is to help keep our roads safe and protect everyone in our community."
The Minister continued: "Keeping our roads safe is everyone's responsibility. The current Covid-19 crisis means frontline services are facing unparalleled pressures and with Christmas approaching this is a timely step in increasing the fight against drink driving and the harm it causes. However, the simple message remains, any alcohol consumption is unsafe when driving – it's not worth the risk. The only safe amount of alcohol you can have, and drive, is none. Don't risk it."
Assistant Chief Constable Jonathan Roberts added: "The Police Service welcomes the removal of the 'statutory option' from road traffic legislation in Northern Ireland. Police officers and our emergency service colleagues regularly respond to serious collisions in which people are killed and seriously injured, where the consumption of alcohol has been a factor. Our message is clear. One drink can impair. One drink can cause a collision. One drink, can cause a collision which kills or injures. Never, ever drink and drive. There is no safe limit."
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29 November 2001
Police take a tough line on drink driving over Christmas
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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.
06 December 2023
'Just One Drink Could Kill' – Anti-Drink And Drug Driving Campaign
Just one drink could kill and ruin lives, this is the message to drivers as the PSNI launch the annual anti-drink and drug driving campaign. Launching the seasonal campaign, Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson, Operational Support Department, warned drivers there is absolutely no excuse for driving with drink or drugs.
'Just One Drink Could Kill' – Anti-Drink And Drug Driving Campaign
Just one drink could kill and ruin lives, this is the message to drivers as the PSNI launch the annual anti-drink and drug driving campaign. Launching the seasonal campaign, Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson, Operational Support Department, warned drivers there is absolutely no excuse for driving with drink or drugs.
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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.
