Two smaller and more manoeuvrable booze and drug testing buses will hit the streets to help catch impaired drivers across the State.
Two Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 vans have been provided at a cost of $772,000 to replace Breath and Drug Bus 2, which has been in service since 2002.
The vans have undergone a purpose fit-out by local Bassendean company Paull and Warner Body Builders to specifically meet the needs of the WA Police Force.
The vehicles are smaller and more manoeuvrable than the current booze buses, to better access back streets and rural roads, where some drivers think they can escape detection.
The deployment of Breath and Drug buses was temporarily suspended during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following consultation with the Department of Health, important COVID-safe practices have been implemented for the deployment of the buses.
Since booze and drug bus operations recommenced on Saturday June 6, more than 717 drivers have been caught for drink driving and 522 drivers tested positive for an illicit drug.
As stated by Police and Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts:
“These smaller vehicles will be more versatile for our alcohol and drug testing operations and will give police greater flexibility when choosing which roads to set up on.
“Police will be better able to access back streets and rat runs where drink drivers may think they can get away, and will be more readily deployable to rural and regional roads.
“This will further reinforce our anywhere, anytime message.
“I hope people will heed the message and if you plan to drink, then make a plan to get home, that doesn’t involve driving yourself.”
