§ Mr. Boyesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to introduce either random or targeted breath tests.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI have been asked to reply.
The courts have held that a constable may, under section 159 of the Road Traffic Act 1972, stop vehicles at random in order to decide whether there are grounds for requiring a sample of breath for testing. A sample may be required where the constable has reasonable cause to suspect that the motorist has alcohol in his body; that he has committed a traffic offence while the vehicle was moving; or that he has been involved in an accident. The Association of Chief Police Officers has stated that these powers are sufficient to allow the law to be enforced effectively, and the Government have no plans to amend the legislation. The use made of these powers is a matter for individual chief officers of police.