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Strict enforcement was taken during the Christmas and New Year period with the arrest of 139 drivers for drink-driving related offences in a concluded territory-wide campaign. The number of arrests for drink driving and related offences was an increase of 53 per cent on the 91 drivers arrested during the same period in 2007.
The campaign, codenamed "Quickchaser", was held between December 16, 2008 and January 2 this year. Its aim was to target drink-driving offences and enhance public awareness about road safety. It also brought to motorists' attention that the revised Road Traffic Legislation with enhanced penalties for drink-driving would take effect from February 9 and that Police would strictly enforce the drink-driving legislation on alcohol concentration exceeding the prescribed limit.
Officers from Police Traffic Headquarters and Regional Road Safety Teams also visited various bars and restaurants throughout the territory and distributed about 38,172 leaflets calling on motorists not to drive after drinking. During the campaign, 732 motorists were invited to take voluntary breath tests.
"Motorists are reminded not to drive after consuming alcohol. Offenders will be liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and three years' imprisonment, be penalised 10 driving-offence points; and may be disqualified from driving. In addition, they may not be insured when being convicted for drink driving offences," a Police spokesman said.
Police Report No. 5
Ends/Monday, January 5, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:37
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