New laws give force checkpoint testing on drink-drive suspects

Random breath tests come into force today as the annual winter drink-drive campaign in Northern Ireland gets underway.

The new legislation will enable the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to set up vehicle checkpoints specifically aimed at catching drivers who are over the limit.

Until now, officers needed reasonable suspicion before asking a driver to take a breath test.

The additional powers passed through the Stormont Assembly in April, but Friday (November 25) is the first time the power has been used by the PSNI.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said the new legislation gave 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,” he said.

“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.”

Last year 375 people were caught driving while under the influence of alcohol – a rise on the 282 detained the previous year.

They ranged in age from 16 to 83 with the highest reading being 140 micrograms – four times the legal limit.

A total of 61 people have been killed in collisions so far this year.

Mr Todd said operations to catch drink drivers would be run throughout the day and night in the weeks leading up to Christmas and into the new year.

PSNI officers will also coordinate road safety operations in border counties with colleagues from the Republic of Ireland`s An Garda Síochána.