Sixteen men started off the New Year on the wrong foot by failing a breathalyser test and becoming liable to a €1,200 fine, as police stepped up their clampdown on drink-driving.
But with no traffic accidents on a night when so many people attend alcohol-fuelled parties, the police campaign has been described as a “definite success” by Assistant Commissioner Josie Brincat.
Police stopped 1,006 cars in roadblocks set up across the island. However, breathalyser tests were only administered to those who looked suspicious. In all, 21 male drivers were tested and 16 were found to be over the limit while the other five were free to go.
Mr Brincat, who is heading the campaign, said 31 police officers were on the road, which was more than on Christmas Eve when around 400 cars were stopped and nine people failed a breathalyser test.
This means that in two days the number of those failing the test was close to half that in the whole of 2009, when it was 65.
On New Year’s Eve, besides those charged for drink-driving, 100 charges were issued against drivers and passengers for not wearing seat belts, four were charged with speeding and four others with dangerous and reckless driving. Only one person was found using a mobile phone at the wheel.
The spot checks were carried out in Ħal Far, Marsascala, Tal-Barrani, Xintill Roundabout, Regional Road, Sliema, the Coast Road, Xemxija, Burmarrad, Ta’ Qali, Mrieħel, Valletta and Birkirkara.
“The media definitely contributed to a traffic-accident-free New Year’s Eve, as was the case during Christmas Eve. However, we cannot ignore the cooperation and understanding of the public,” Mr Brincat said, thanking the “very courteous and understanding” public for any inconvenience caused.
He pointed out that chauffer services seemed to have benefited greatly from the campaign, with many groups of young people opting to call taxis and vans instead of driving their own cars.
Mr Brincat also highlighted the impact gender played in terms of drinking and driving. He said women were generally less abusive with alcohol than men and in many cases they chose to be the designated drivers – driving their tipsy men home, instead of the other way around.
The police campaign comes after heftier fines for traffic offences were introduced earlier last year. First-time offenders face a maximum fine of €1,200, three months imprisonment and suspension of their driving licence if found guilty and repeat offenders face a €2,300 fine, a six-month prison term and withdrawal of their licence.
There were no instances of drivers refusing to take a breathalyser test, which, according to changes made to the law this year, would automatically incriminate drivers, unless they can prove otherwise.