A small number of drivers tested for alcohol exceeded the limits during the first six months of breath testing in Tonga

Police randomly tested 6398 drivers with 227 drivers testing positive for alcohol in Tongatapu and more half of these were still within the legal limit.

Police Commissioner Chris Kelley said on June 28, that of the 227 drivers who tested positive for alcohol, 106 drivers were over the lower limit of 150 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath.

"Only 1.6% of all drivers tested were over the 150 micrograms limit, which is a very good result," he said.

A total of 84 drivers who were over 250 micrograms limit were charged and would be prosecuted in court.

Police recorded another 22 drivers who were within 150 to 250 micrograms per litre of breath and they immediately received an infringement notice fine of $200, while the remaining 121 drivers were below the 150 micrograms committed no offence and were let go.

Commissioner Kelley said this showed drivers had responded well to breath testing and the compliance rate for drivers on Tongatapu was very good.

"The results speak for themselves and I believe the community has taken on board the message: Don’t Drink and Drive."

Concern

However, The Police Commissioner was concerned that of those drivers who were over 250 micrograms one-person recorded 1,220 micrograms and the average was 624 micrograms.

This indicated excessive alcohol consumption and poor judgment in choosing to drive, he said.

Penalties include heavy fines up to $650 pa'anga and drivers may be disqualified from driving.

The Breath Testing law came into effect in December 2010.