Victoria Police Alcohol and Drug Testing (ADT) Bus

New alcohol and drug testing vehicles were needed to replace the current ageing fleet to ensure drink and drug driving deterrence levels were maintained, if not increased, across the state. Victoria Police, recognised as world leaders with regard to road safety, challenged the design team to again raise the bar and further improve on the legacy of the 2004 award winning second generation, 'booze bus'. The vehicle needed to be more manoeuvrable and agile than the old with advanced safety standards and features to create a safer workplace for police and road users. The design brief was for the vehicle to embody police as both enforcer and protector, firmly projecting the bus's purpose to the public through its innovative and striking design.

The ADT vehicle operates under high demand and unforgiving conditions 365 days a year. By observing current work practices and public road conditions, the design team proposed to separate setup procedures from the dangers of passing traffic, the breakthrough solution being front/rear storage ‘drawers’ allowing officers to safely and efficiently access equipment. Careful consideration was also given to the interior to maximise space, accessibility and safety for the crew while maintaining comfort. Interview rooms, a transformable crew amenities area, as well as secure stowage of specialised blood testing and emergency equipment was all taken into account. The low floors of the bus have been designed for accessibility.

The new design ADT vehicle will increase police operational efficiencies in removing drink and drug drivers from the road. Trauma on the roads as a result of impaired driving is preventable. There’s no doubt the ADT vehicle will have a significant impact, increasing tests, in more places will save lives and reduce trauma. As the first jurisdiction in Australia to introduce compulsory random breath tests and the first in the world to introduce road side drug testing the innovative and versatile ADT, will continue Victoria’s legacy as being a global leader in road safety. Its role is integral in reducing the annual road toll which, over the past four decades, decreased from 1,061 in 1970 to 259 in 2017. The ADT will allow Victoria Police to effectively serve the community and with its bold presence, deter impaired drivers and reflect Victoria’s tough stance on drink and drug driving.

• Exterior Lighting - Multiple exterior lights programed to illuminate alternative testing configurations. In addition, a roof mounted electro-pneumatic mast pivots up 9m; providing over 80,000 lumens of directional LED lighting to test zones whilst reducing glare for approaching traffic. • Mechanicals- The ADT is built on a proven Iveco Metro chassis featuring a fuel efficient (Euro 5) Cummins diesel engine and modern driving safety systems and interior instrument controls. • Cabin- The ADTs air conditioned driver and passenger cabin accommodates a full crew of 7 police officers in premium reclined bucket-seats. • ADR compliant- The vehicle is fully compliant with all applicable Australian Standards/ADRs (Australian Design Rules). • Exterior doors – Pneumatic flush finish doors operated by touch button controls with manual override. • Programmable control system Large external LED screen display, interior lighting and all major electrical systems are managed by an intuitive, BBW-developed interface. • Low floor- step-free floor provides safe, unobstructed passage throughout, including emergencies exits. • Interior Design- Split-layout interview rooms maximise privacy from crew/break areas. Quality, purpose-designed materials and finishes provide function and longevity. Flush cabinetry hardware and wide seating create ample space to suit accoutrement-equipped crew. Clever stowage areas keep general desk and specialised equipment secure during transit.