THE introduction of breath testing of motorists for alcohol abuse that was scheduled to start yesterday has been postponed to December 8 because breath testing equipment had not arrived from New Zealand in time.

Police Cmdr Chris Kelley said he expected the equipment to arrive tonight and if it does, the breath testing would start tomorrow.

He said the equipment was held up in Auckland for 10 days due to freight problems.

The police would be in full operation this Christmas and New Year to crack down on drunkenness in public places, he assured.

Eleven persons were arrested for drunkenness last week, which continued to be a major concern, he said.