Twelve drivers were arrested in anti-drink driving operation
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Police have conducted a territory-wide random breath test operation from July 17 to July 20 and arrested twelve drivers for drink-driving related offences.

The operation, codenamed "Quick Chaser", was completed on Monday (July 20). During the four-day operation, 48 roadblocks and snap checks were mounted and a total of 785 drivers were required to conduct breath tests. Amongst them, twelve drivers who were unable to pass the screening breath tests were arrested. Nine 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 July 20, the Police had breath tested 17,483 drivers in various RBT operations. 107 of them failed the SBT and were arrested. Amongst them, 81 of the drivers were subsequently found to have proportions of alcohol exceeded the prescribed limit.

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. 5
Issued by PPRB

Ends/Thursday, July 23, 2009
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