Bermuda set to introduce checkpoint sobriety tests

HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) — Police checkpoints to screen motorists for sobriety will be established in Bermuda in a bid to curb “out-of-control” drink-driving.

Legislators gave the green light to a new bill which Transport Minister Walter Roban told the House of Assembly on Friday was “not the cure-al — but it's a start”.

Roban told legislators that a “robust” campaign would be rolled out to educate residents on the checkpoints.

“This bill will be the first step in our strategy,” he said, adding that the police would first require training at checkpoints in Britain, and the necessary equipment would have to be purchased. Under the legislation, officers above the rank of superintendent can get written approval from the senior magistrate if they have “reasonable suspicion that an incident may take place”.

Notice of the date of checkpoints and parish would have to be gazetted five to 15 days prior, and all vehicles passing through the checkpoints would be required to stop, although not every driver would be subjected to testing, MPs were told.

Officers would have the power to administer a breath test or check for impairment, with an offence incurred if the driver failed or refused to comply.

Shadow National Security Minister Michael Dunkley signalled the opposition One Bermuda Alliance's (OBA) approval, saying many drivers nowadays were putting their lives at risk.

“It's out of control,” Dunkley, a former OBA premier, added, making an additional plea for greater personal responsibility.

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