Random breath testing of Canberra drivers will carry on as normal despite fears of the spread of coronavirus, ACT police say.
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It comes as large roadside operations were suspended by Queensland, NSW and Victorian police due to it posing a potential health risk for officers.
An ACT police spokesman said advice had been provided to officers about how to conduct breath tests safely with more hygiene controls put in place.
"ACT Policing uses a targeted, intelligence-led approach to deter, detect and remove impaired drivers from our roads. This approach will continue during the response to COVID-19," the spokesman said.
"In the past few years, rather than a large-scale static approach to roadside testing, every ACT Policing member conducts random breath testing and we work hard to ensure we have the right people, in the right place, at the right time."
While Victoria had stopped its booze buses, where mass testing takes place, preliminary roadside tests would still be carried out in drivers' cars.
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NSW has said it would be stepping up mobile patrols in response to the major operations ban.
The ACT police spokesman said the breath tests would be carried out in patrol cars and unmarked vehicles.
"ACT Policing will continue to act on the most current health advice and review our practices for the safety of our members and community," the spokesman said.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
