Delta Police chief says more people likely to be tested as new drunk driving laws take effect

DELTA (NEWS 1130) – Starting today, police in Canada no longer need to suspect a driver is drunk in order to demand a breathalyzer.

While he admits officers could be busier at Counter Attack check stops, Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord says that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be stuck in a long line of traffic.

“I think more people will be tested,” he tells NEWS 1130. “Hopefully we’ll be able to proceed through that and our officers still will use their discretion on who they actually ask to provide a roadside test.”

NEWS 1130’s Tim James speaks with Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord about new impaired driving laws

He adds if someone’s stopped, the officer will have to have a screening device ready to go if they’re going to be breathalyzed.

“The officers will be required to have a road side tester with them, so that it isn’t inconvenient for the driver,” Dubord explains. “We won’t be able to just randomly be able to stop people and say ‘you need to now wait’ and detain them until a road side tester comes on scene.”

He adds his department has even budgeted some money in order to minimize delays. The Delta Police force has purchased 10 extra roadside testers, at a cost of about $5,000 for all of them, he says.

Dubord believes there are “large numbers of people” who get through Counter Attack and other check stops who have been drinking.

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