Police will start taking random breath checks on motorists to combat drink driving when a new law comes into effect from February 9, Commissioner of Police Tang King-shing says.

On radio programmes today, Mr Tang said while there were 107 drivers causing deaths or serious injuries last year - 40 less than a year earlier, the proportion of motorists failing breath tests rose to 3.8%, from 3.3% in 2007.

Currently, police officers can only conduct breath tests on three occasions - when a driver is involved in a traffic accident, has breached traffic laws, or is suspected to have been drinking.

When the new law comes into effect, checks can be made on all motorists, Mr Tang said, adding Police will strategically plan the time and venues for checks so as not to affect the traffic situation.

He hoped the unfortunate fatal accident at Lok Ma Chau yesterday would heighten community awareness on drink driving. There should be a wide discussion in society to reach a consensus on whether the penalty for the offence should be raised.

Noting the fall in the overall crime rate last year, Mr Tang said so far there has been no apparent impact from the economic downturn. However, in view of the increased number of fraud and quick-money cases during the 1997 Asian financial turmoil and the 2003 SARS period, the Police will keep a close watch on the crime trend.

He admitted some recent cases involving police officers have affected the force's image. Stressing the importance of integrity among officers, he said forming an integrity management committee aims to deepen and consolidate integrity policy implementation.

A Police-commissioned customer-satisfaction opinion poll conducted by the University of Hong Kong last September and October gave the Police 4.01 marks on a scale of five.