BREATHALYSER AS DETERRENTS: PRENDERGAST

The recently introduced breathalysers were meant to deter drink-driving and not chasing after drink-drivers in the country.

Police Commissioner Frank Prendergast told his weekly media conference last Thursday.

He says the breathalysers should be a deterrent to discourage driving under the influence of liquor and not catching people.

“Again I just stress with everyone we’re not out to catch people, we want people to stop drinking and driving and that’s the message, that it’s supposed to be a deterrent.”

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Prendergast says there are severe penalties for drink-driving in the Solomon Islands.

Asked whether on-the-spot fines can also apply if a person is caught driving under the influence of liquor, the Police Commissioner says this applies in some jurisdictions.

“In some jurisdictions, there is the ability to give an on-the-spot fine and then if people dispute the fine then they can go to court. In the Solomon Islands, we haven’t gone that way. If you look at the penalties for drinking and driving, they are severe though it’s important I think if people have their day in court.”

SIBC News understands Police have also conducted traffic checks over the weekend.