November 18, 2025 | Incident and Crime Statistics , Alcohol and Drugs
Request Number: FOI/16087
Category: Incident and Crime Statistics - Alcohol and Drugs
Subject: Breath tests
Request and Answer:
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) does hold information to which your request relates.
However the decision has been made not to supply the information you have requested as the Information is Reasonably Accessible by Other Means. Therefore Section 21 of FOI Act applies and our rationale is set out in more detail below.
We have also provided you with links to guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office, which we have followed in responding to your request.
Question 1
The number of roadside screening breath tests carried out by your Police Force in 2024, split by month.
Question 2
The number of positive/refused tests, split by month
Answer
This request is being refused as the Information is Reasonably Accessible by Other Means. Please see our rationale below.
The information you have requested is available from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s website. Please see the following link to the 2024 Preliminary Breath Test publication:
Available Here
Exemption explained
Section 17(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires the Police Service of Northern Ireland, when refusing to provide such information (because the information is exempt) to provide you the applicant with a notice which:
- states that fact,
- specifies the exemption in question and
- states (if not otherwise apparent) why the exemption applies.
The exemption, as well as the factors the Department considered when deciding where the public interest lies, are listed below:
Section 21(1) - Information Reasonably Accessible by Other Means - Information which is reasonably accessible to the applicant otherwise than under section 1 is exempt information.
The full text of exemptions can be found at www.legislation.gov.uk and further guidance on how they operate can be located on the Information Commissioners Office website www.ico.org.uk.