Written question asked by Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour) on Monday, 31 January 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 February 2011. It was answered by James Brokenshire (Conservative) on Friday, 4 February 2011 on behalf of the Home Office.

Breathalysers: Roads

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on type approval for evidential roadside breath testing devices; and by what date she expects such devices to be in use by police forces.

Answer: Type approval depends on compliance of the approved device with a Home Office specification. Our technical advisers are currently finalising the specifications for both an evidential roadside breath test device for use in suspected drink driving cases and a roadside drug screening device. We expect work on both to be completed by the end of April 2011. Once a specification has been issued, future progress depends on manufacturers putting devices forward for approval and the performance of such devices in the necessary tests.Purchase of devices once approved is a matter for individual chief officers of police.

Secondary information