New breathalyser takes evidence sample on roadside

A new breathalyser that allows roadside breath samples to be used as evidence has been rolled out in Dorset.

The infrared technology measures alcohol in a driver's breath, removing the need for separate tests to be carried out at a police station.

This eliminates the risk of readings changing between the roadside test and the collection of a formal sample.

Dorset Police is one of the first forces in the country to use the device, which came into operation in the county on 18 August.

The Lion Intoxilyzer 9000 measures the amount of alcohol found in a motorist using pulsed infrared technology on a breath sample.

The first sample from a driver taken by the Roads Policing Team provided a reading of 167 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is nearly five times the legal drink drive limit of 35 micrograms.

Sgt Dave Cotterill said the device "improves the precision with which we can detect a drink driver and ensure they are taken off the road quicker".

"Previously, when someone was brought into custody to provide an evidential sample, their body continues to process the alcohol and the reading provided would be different to that taken at the roadside.

"This could mean they subsequently were found to be under the legal limit when providing an evidential sample.

"This new evidential roadside testing eliminates this issue and means we can take more dangerous motorists off the road."

Cotterill said, since the beginning of 2023, 113 people in Dorset had been killed or seriously injured in collisions where alcohol was a contributing factor.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: "This innovative technology will help officers detect and deal with drink drivers more quickly, keeping dangerous motorists off our roads and making Dorset safer for everyone.

"Supporting the use of the latest technology is a key part of ensuring our police have the tools they need to protect our communities."