Random breath tests proposed

TOUGH new garda powers to combat drink driving will have little impact on the overall level of convictions, a legal expert said yesterday.

Transport Minster Seamus Brennan is to introduce legislation to allow gardaí to carry out random drink driving tests if they suspect motorists of committing other, minor traffic infringements.

The Minister resisted pressure by the Institute of Engineers in Ireland for total random breath tests like those operating in other countries. Institute spokesman Paddy Purcell said random tests had dramatically reduced drink driving elsewhere, most notably in Sweden and parts of Australia.