New global positioning breath testing devices to ‘map’ drink driving
Published Wednesday, 14 May, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Media please note: Minister Spence will hold a press conference with Deputy Commissioner Ian Stewart, on the Speaker's Green at Parliament House, at 12:30 today. Both the old and new devices will be available for filming.
Police Minister Judy Spence today announced that police are moving to new alcohol breath testing devices that include a Global Positioning System to ‘map’ drink driving.
Ms Spence said: “The GPS enabled devices will geographically record the location of every breath test – both positive and negative.
“Police will then compare this map of breath tests to the locations of alcohol related crashes.
“If police see that certain areas have alcohol related crashes but there has been no breath testing they will be able to make sure RBTs occur in those areas.
“The main purpose of RBTs are to get drink drivers off the roads and also to act as a deterrent – to send a message to drivers that they can get tested anywhere, anytime.
“By working with precise information police will be able to get the deterrent message where it is most needed.
“These new devices also serve another very useful purpose in that they will equip patrol cars with a GPS.
“This will enable police to record exact traffic crash locations, especially in remote areas.
“It will also enable police to give accurate location directions to emergency services such as helicopter rescue missions or the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“The new devices – Lion Alcolmeter SD 400 – cost $1,168 each and have been developed specifically for the Queensland Police Service.
“Police have received more than 1080 of the devices so far. They are already being used by the State Traffic Task Force and the North Coast Region and will be gradually deployed around the rest of the state in coming months.
“The new alcolmeters will entirely replace the old style devices by March 2009 when there will be around 1600 in use,” Ms Spence said.
Media Contact: 32396218
May 14, 2008
Police Minister Judy Spence today announced that police are moving to new alcohol breath testing devices that include a Global Positioning System to ‘map’ drink driving.
Ms Spence said: “The GPS enabled devices will geographically record the location of every breath test – both positive and negative.
“Police will then compare this map of breath tests to the locations of alcohol related crashes.
“If police see that certain areas have alcohol related crashes but there has been no breath testing they will be able to make sure RBTs occur in those areas.
“The main purpose of RBTs are to get drink drivers off the roads and also to act as a deterrent – to send a message to drivers that they can get tested anywhere, anytime.
“By working with precise information police will be able to get the deterrent message where it is most needed.
“These new devices also serve another very useful purpose in that they will equip patrol cars with a GPS.
“This will enable police to record exact traffic crash locations, especially in remote areas.
“It will also enable police to give accurate location directions to emergency services such as helicopter rescue missions or the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“The new devices – Lion Alcolmeter SD 400 – cost $1,168 each and have been developed specifically for the Queensland Police Service.
“Police have received more than 1080 of the devices so far. They are already being used by the State Traffic Task Force and the North Coast Region and will be gradually deployed around the rest of the state in coming months.
“The new alcolmeters will entirely replace the old style devices by March 2009 when there will be around 1600 in use,” Ms Spence said.
Media Contact: 32396218
May 14, 2008