Police have unveiled an arsenal of high-tech new weapons for their fight to stop drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs.

And top cop Roger Kendall warns festive drinkers and Christmas party-goers to quickly change any illegal habits involving driving, alcohol and drugs before the devices hit the street in the near future.

They might look like something out of a science fiction movie but in revealing them to The Royal Gazette Ch. Insp. Kendall said their goal was very serious -- to save lives.

He said the new tests would act in the same way that radar traps prevented speeding. "If people know there is a good chance they'll be caught and punished they'll think twice before breaking the law -- it will deter them.'' Laws passed last January empower Police to use the devices for on-the-spot drug and alcohol testing rather than taking all suspected offenders back to the Hamilton Police Station and "risking false arrests'', he said.

To detect alcohol, Police are testing a computerised device with an attached disposable tube which drivers will be asked to blow into to register the amount of alcohol in their system.

Another option is a small throw-away cylinder that contains crystals which change colour on contact with breath containing a certain level of alcohol.

Police are also still deciding which of the illicit drug-testing gadgets -- which use the most up-to-date technology available worldwide -- is most cost effective and suited to Bermuda's climate.

One disposable gadget -- which costs $35 per use -- has a pad that when touched against someone's forehead or armpit says if they have touched or used illicit drugs.

A cheaper option is a $10 to $15 card-like gadget which tests urine for the presence of any illicit drug.

Once evaluation is complete, Police will apply to the Transport Minister for official approval of the new procedures which will then be advertised.

Ch. Insp. Kendall said he could not give an exact start-date for the public but he expected it would be "in the near future and as soon as possible''.

He said exhaustive testing was being done to eliminate the chance of legal loopholes remaining as had occurred in Britain allowing some people to escape convictions.

"We are evaluating the devices and procedures so there are no problems when we begin using them -- we are doing everything possible to make the law effective.

"Next year there will be procedures in place to allow use of the screening devices but with Christmas around the corner hopefully as soon as possible.'' He admitted that until the devices were in use there was nothing to deter those who were impaired by illicit drugs from driving. See picture on Page 6.