New legislation used to tackle drink-driving in the Roe Valley

Drivers in the Roe Valley are being warned police will be using new legislation to conduct random breath checks at vehicle checkpoints in the run-up to Christmas as part of the annual winter drink drive campaign.
William King, Chairperson of Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership with PSNI officers as they launch the winter drink drive campaign. Pic: Kevin McAuleyWilliam King, Chairperson of Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership with PSNI officers as they launch the winter drink drive campaign. Pic: Kevin McAuley
William King, Chairperson of Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership with PSNI officers as they launch the winter drink drive campaign. Pic: Kevin McAuley

Inspector John Millar said: “Previously, police officers needed a reasonable suspicion about the manner of someone’s driving, have seen a moving traffic offence, or been called to a collision before requiring a preliminary breath test from a driver. The new legislation means we can now establish vehicle checkpoints solely for the purpose of carrying out random breath tests, something which we hope will act as an even more visible, physical deterrent.”

Insp. Millar added: “Our aim with this operation is to keep people safe. People need to put as much effort into planning how to get home safely, as they do planning their night out. I do not want police officers knocking on doors at any time of the year, but especially over Christmas and the New Year, to tell families that a loved one has been killed on the roads.”

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