Police will be able to test more motorists more often as a fleet of 10 new alcohol and drug testing buses are set to hit the streets.
The first of the new vehicles is already operational.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said the state-of-the-art design improves the police’s ability to tests motorists anywhere, anytime.
“The new buses have been designed with enhanced safety measures to keep our members safe and include LED flood lighting technology, one-step entry with an internal flat floor, front and rear storage areas for equipment and state-of-the-art electronic control systems,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner Fryer said the impact impaired drivers had on the road toll in 2017 was significant.
“Sadly last year of the 166 drivers or riders who lost their lives on the road, 56 were either over the alcohol limit, had drugs in their system or both.
“Twenty one were over the limit, 27 were found to have drugs in their system and a further eight drivers/riders were both over the limit and impaired by drugs.
“To think 34 per cent of people who lost their lives on the road, and who were in charge of their vehicles, actually chose to get behind the wheel impaired is shocking.”
The new buses will be rolled out throughout 2018 and into early next year until the old fleet is replaced.
