Nepal Police testing the breathalyzer
Kathmandu, March 27, 2012: The Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD) of Nepal are about to introduce breathalyzers in their daily operation to counter against the Drink and Drive Campaign. It was announced that 50 breathalyzers have been bought and would be used from Wednesday.
From the past few months Nepal Traffic Police have been strictly monitoring the alcohol consumption in vehicle drivers at different check points in the valley with just using the sensing ability of the traffic personnel. Highly controversial and unscientific the MTPD was hugely appreciated for the drive against the drink and drive campaign but on contrary the MTPD was also hugely criticized for using such unscientific way of detecting alcohol consumption by human sense.
Making it public on a press conference Monday, the MTPD said, “From December 1 last year till now March 25, the MTPD has generated revenue of more than Rs 59 million, of which Rs 13 million comes from 15,793 drunken drivers. Likewise seat belt defaulter have numbered 18,404, 2,949 jaywalkers and 640 school buses violating traffic rules.”
During the press conference the official also demonstrated the use and authenticity of the breathalyzer.
In Nepal the Traffic act prohibit any vehicle owner after any consumption of alcohol and in case of detection he or she is fully punishable under the act.
