*****************************************************
Police have conducted a territory-wide anti-drink driving operation from June 25 to 28 and arrested five drivers for drink-driving related offences.
During the four-day operation codenamed "QuickChaser", a total of 995 drivers were required to conduct random breath tests (RBT). Among them, five were unable to pass the screening breath tests and were arrested. Four of them were subsequently found to have failed the evidential breath tests and would be charged with the relevant offences.
A Police spokesman said since the Road Traffic Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2008 has come into effect on February 9, 2009, police officers are empowered to conduct random breath test (RBT) on drivers.
Since the introduction of the new legislation on February 9, 2009 till today, the Police had breath tested 73,837 drivers in various RBT operations. Among them, 414 of them were either found to have proportions of alcohol exceeded the prescribed limit or refused to be tested, and were subsequently arrested for consideration of being charged with the relevant offences.
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 licenses. In addition, they may not be insured when being convicted for drink driving offences.
Police will be conducting special RBT operations throughout the World Cup which commences on 11 June 2010 until 12 July 2010.
Police Report No. 6
Ends/Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:54
NNNN
