Roadside breath tests have plunged to their lowest level on record.
Data shows that in 2019 only 302,281 motorists were breathalysed by Police – just 43% of the number of tests carried out ten years ago and an 11% decrease on 2018.
Yet, despite the slump in tests, 16% of drivers were over the limit – the highest proportion since 2007.
According to a recent report by PACTS, there was an 18% reduction in the number of dedicated roads policing officers in England and Wales between 2015 and 2019.
“With several studies showing people drinking more alcohol since Covid struck, roadside tests should now be stepped up,” comments Hunter Abbott, managing director of breathalyser firm AlcoSense and a member of PACTS.
“But without more traffic police, testing will continue to spiral downwards.
“The latest government figures show 8,860 people killed or injured on the roads due to drink driving. There’s a direct correlation between the increase in casualties and the decrease in law enforcement.
“If in any doubt, drivers should self-test to ensure they’re completely clear of alcohol before getting behind the wheel”.