HONG KONG — Police in Tsim Sha Tsui arrested two male drivers on Thursday evening and early Friday morning after both failed roadside breathalyzer tests during a concentrated patrol lasting less than 30 minutes. The rapid succession of incidents underscores the ongoing challenge of combating impaired driving in the densely populated district.
The arrests occurred between 11:42 p.m. last night and 12:09 a.m. today, local time, as officers from the West Kowloon Regional Traffic Enforcement and Control Unit conducted routine surveillance. Both men were subsequently charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
The initial arrest took place at approximately 11:42 p.m. near the Science Museum Plaza. Officers stopped a private vehicle and immediately suspected the driver, a 53-year-old man surnamed Wong, of intoxication due to a strong smell of alcohol emanating from him. He failed the subsequent roadside breath test and was taken into custody.
Just 27 minutes later, a second intervention occurred a short distance away at the intersection of Mody Road and Minden Row. Police flagged another private car and found a 48-year-old driver, identified by the surname Cheung, who also failed to pass the mandatory alcohol screening. He was immediately arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Enforcement Efforts Target Impaired Driving
Traffic enforcement units across Hong Kong frequently intensify patrols, particularly during evening and early morning hours, to deter and apprehend drivers operating vehicles while impaired. Alcohol-related offenses remain a serious concern for road safety authorities.
Following their arrests, both men were processed by police. They have since been released on bail but are required to report back to the police station early next month as the investigation continues. These cases highlight the zero-tolerance policy maintained by Hong Kong authorities regarding driving under the influence.
A spokesperson for the police traffic unit emphasized the commitment to ensuring road safety, reminding the public that drunk driving poses a severe risk to themselves and other road users. Penalties for DUI offenses in Hong Kong can include heavy fines, license suspension, mandatory rehabilitation courses, and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity and any prior convictions.
Broader Road Safety Implications
The clustering of DUI arrests within a small timeframe is a stark reminder of the persistent danger posed by impaired drivers, even in districts heavily policed like Tsim Sha Tsui. Road safety advocates consistently urge drivers to utilize ride-sharing services or public transportation if they consume any alcohol.
These arrests serve as a critical warning, reinforcing the police’s constant monitoring efforts and commitment to vigilance on the city’s roads, particularly as social activities increase. Authorities are expected to maintain these heightened enforcement measures moving forward.
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