Nine drivers arrested in anti drink driving operation
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Police have conducted a territory-wide random breath test operation since last Thursday (April 9), arresting nine drivers for drink-driving related offences.

The operation, code named 'Quick Chaser' completed today (April 14), was aimed at deterring drink-driving activities.

During the six-day operation, 67 roadblocks and snap checks were mounted and a total of 1,324 drivers were required to conduct breath tests.

Amongst them, nine drivers who were unable to pass the screening breath tests were arrested. Six of them were subsequently found to have proportions of alcohol in their breath exceeded the prescribed limit and would be charged with the offence.

A Police spokesman said since the Road Traffic Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2008 has become effective on February 9, 2009, police officers are empowered to conduct random breath test (RBT) on drivers.

A pre-screening device is used for RBT to speed up the testing process. Any driver who fails the "pre-screening breath test" will be required to undergo a "screening breath test" (SBT). The existing procedures to require drivers involving in a traffic accident, involving in a traffic offence or suspected of drink driving to undergo a SBT remain unchanged.

Since the introduction of the new legislation on February 9 up to April 14, the Police had breath tested 7,199 drivers in various RBT operations. 35 of them failed the SBT and were arrested.

Among the 35 arrests, 24 of the drivers were subsequently found to have proportions of alcohol exceeded the prescribed limit and nine of them were charged and appeared in court.

Motorists are reminded not to drive after consuming alcohol. Offenders will be liable to a maximum fine of $25,000, three years' imprisonment and to incur 10 driving-offence points.

The new legislation also raises the penalties on drink driving offences by disqualifying the offenders from driving for not less than three months on first conviction and not less than two years on second conviction. Drivers with drink driving conviction are required to attend Driving Improving Course on mandatory basis before they can get back their driving licences.

Police Report No. 11

Ends/Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:15

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