Police to increase alcohol patrols at night

In addition to initiatives like the BOB designated driver campaign, the Belgian Federal Police have decided to step up their fight against driving under the influence with increased night patrols. The announcement came in response to heavy demands made by Police unions and automobile organisations to intensify Belgium's alcohol and drug controls.

The first major patrol was carried out this weekend on Antwerp's highway A12, reporting a positive alcohol test in 1 of 4 drivers. For Karin Genoe of the Belgian Insitute for Road Safety, such results show that many drivers in Belgium know they can take up driving under the influence again after the increased winter holiday controls have passed.

Touring spokesperson Danny Smagghe applauds the announcement to increase patrols, underlining that the target group should be those who take to the wheel between midnight and 8am.

Currently, only 1 in 6 alcohol patrols occur at night. The Belgian Institute for Road Safety assures that a third of automobile operators will be controlled in the upcoming 12 months.