Motorists who drink and drive now have an even greater chance of being caught, with the launch of a range of new road safety equipment for Tasmania Police.

The equipment includes extra speed detection devices, breath test equipment and drug wipe kits to assist traffic and uniform police in day-to-day road safety operations.

The new operational equipment, costing $360,000, was launched in Hobart by the Minister for Police and Emergency Management, Mr David Llewellyn.

“Tasmania Police do an outstanding job and it has long been the commitment of this government to ensure that they have the best equipment possible with which to carry out their duties,” Mr Llewellyn said.

“This ongoing commitment to operational policing, and the government’s road safety strategy, will see eight Ultralyte laser speed guns, 32 Lion SD 400 breath testing units, 400 reflective vests and 260 rechargeable torches, fitted with traffic wands, deployed to frontline policing.”

Mr Llewellyn said that in addition to the equipment, the government had purchased more Securetech drug wipe kits.

“Since Tasmania Police began the oral fluid testing in July 2005, more than 700 tests have been conducted on Tasmanian drivers with 234 directed to undertake a blood test following a positive response with the drug wipe,” he said.

“While speed and alcohol remain the major contributing factors to fatal and serious crashes on Tasmanian roads, those who drive with drugs present in their bodies are an equally serious risk to other road users and themselves.”

Also launched were two refurbished multi-purpose Mobile Command Centres, which will form an important part of frontline policing.

The Northern and Western Police Districts will each receive a Toyota Coaster bus.

“These vehicles are not only a Command Centre for use at major incidents on-site,” said Mr Llewellyn.

“They are also a mobile police station that can be used by the Public Order Response Teams, for major event management, road safety operations such as random drug and alcohol testing, and Search and Rescue co-ordination.”

Mr Llewellyn said the equipment will be immediately deployed throughout Tasmania. 

“Motorists who contribute to the rate of crashes in our community by drinking and driving stand a greater chance of being caught,” he said.

“All of this equipment we have now provided is aimed at ensuring that the members of Tasmania Police are as well equipped as they can be to do their difficult job as safely as possible and to enforce the laws of this State as efficiently as they can.”