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Police have conducted a territory-wide anti-drink driving operation from January 21 to yesterday (January 25) and arrested fifteen drivers for drink-driving related offences.
During the five-day operation codenamed "QuickChaser", a total of 2,354 drivers were required to conduct random breath tests (RBT). Fourteen were unable to pass the screening breath tests and one refused to provide sample and were arrested. Among the fourteen drivers who failed the screening breath test, eleven drivers subsequently failed the evidential breath test. They, together with the driver who refused to provide sample for the screening breath test, will be charged with the relevant offence.
Since the introduction of the new legislation on February 9, 2009 till yesterday, Police had breath tested 156,397 drivers in various RBT operations. Among them, 922 of them were either found to have proportions of alcohol exceeded the prescribed limit or refused to be tested, and 698 were subsequently 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 six 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 Report No. 5
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Issued at HKT 12:23
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