Roadside breath tests slump to lowest level on record
The number of roadside breath tests carried out by police fell to their lowest level in 2020/21, despite evidence of increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic.
A total of 17.2% of drivers were over the limit in roadside breath tests in 2020/21 – the highest proportion since 2003.
A total of 252,069 motorists were breathalysed by police in England and Wales over the 12-month period, according to Home Office data published today – an 18% fall compared with the previous year.
The decline continues the downward trend seen since the peak of 703,490 breath tests in 2009.
Shockingly, 17.2% of drivers were over the limit – the highest proportion since 2003.
Hunter Abbott, managing director of personal breathalyser firm AlcoSense, warned that the decline in testing was the result of dwindling roads police numbers.
He commented: “Separate Home Office figures show the number of dedicated roads policing officers in England and Wales had dropped to 3,850 by March 2021 compared with 5,220 in 2015 – a dramatic reduction of 26%.
“With ever-fewer traffic police, testing will continue to spiral downwards.
“Studies show people drinking more alcohol since Covid struck, particularly at home – so roadside tests should actually be stepped up given the danger of ‘morning after’ driving with alcohol still in your system.”
A recent report by Public Health England highlighted a 25% increase in alcohol sales in shops and supermarkets between 2020 and 2019, suggesting a steep rise in heavy drinking at home.
The number of killed or seriously injured drink-drive casualties in 2019 was 2,050 – an increase of 8% on 2018 and the highest level since 2011. The figure includes 230 fatalities where the motorist was over the drink drive limit.
“Even with 0.05mg/L of alcohol in breath (one-seventh of the English/Welsh limit) the driver is 37% more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than when sober. If in any doubt, drivers should self-test with a personal breathalyser to ensure they’re completely clear of alcohol before getting behind the wheel,” added Hunter Abbott.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
