Misconception on breathalyser tests, police need more training – judge

Tests taken ‘too late’

Traffic police tasked with conducting breathalyser tests on those suspected of driving under the influence of drink need more training to know when they can test drivers, a judge said on Friday.

Speaking at a conference on drink-driving on Friday, organised by the Malta Insurance Association, Madam Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera said there seemed to be a misconception on the interpretation of the term “reasonable suspicion”.

According to the law, police officers can only ask a driver to take a test if they have what is called ‘reasonable suspicion’ that the motorist was driving after having consumed more alcohol than is allowed.

“The term has to be given a wider interpretation and the officers on the road need more training. The amount of traffic accidents taking place every day go into the thousands. Doesn’t it warrant more tests? Yes, I think it does,” the judge said during….

Click here to read the full article.

As reported on the Times of Malta on Friday, April 12, 2019, by Ms Claire Caruana.