DRINK-DRIVERS IN RUSH FOR pounds 2 DIY BREATH TEST

SALES of a controversial new DIY breathalyser have soared despite condemnation from experts and police chiefs.

Britain's Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) say the self- administered breath test encourages motorists to drink and drive.

And the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) insists drivers could still be over the limit despite getting a negative reading.

Stocks of the disposable pounds 2 BreathScan kit are being boosted in the run-up to Christmas to meet demand from partygoers tempted to drive home after office parties, with almost 100,000 kits sold so far.

An ACPO spokesman said: "Motorists may be tempted to use a DIY kit - particularly at this time of year - but they shouldn't risk relying on a device that may not be calibrated properly."

RoSPA's Roger Vincent added: "DIY breath-testers are a temptation for drivers to drink up to the limit. People might be lured into having another half before getting behind the wheel of a car."

A leaflet supplied with the device warns that "test results may not be reliable if test is not conducted according to instructions".

Brian Simpson, managing director of BTE International, who sell the device, said it was a valuable "morning after" test.

"The people who buy them are cautious people who can't afford to lose their licence."

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