Rise in drink drive figures

ALMOST 200 people in Norfolk were arrested during Norfolk Constabulary's month long anti drink-drive campaign - a rise on last year's figures. Out of 3,343 breath tests carried out by officers, 186 motorists had ignored anti drink-drive warnings and were arrested on suspicion of either failing a breath test or refusing to take one.

ALMOST 200 people in Norfolk were arrested during Norfolk Constabulary's month long anti drink-drive campaign - a rise on last year's figures.

Out of 3,343 breath tests carried out by officers, 186 motorists had ignored anti drink-drive warnings and were arrested on suspicion of either failing a breath test or refusing to take one. Last year 114 people were arrested out of 4,514 breath tests administered.

During the campaign, launched on December 1, police teamed up with pub landlords to drive home the serious consequences of drink and drug driving.

PC Michael Edney, casualty reduction officer, said: “Drink-driving ruins lives yet there are still a small group of individuals who continue to refuse to listen to our message, risking their own lives and also other innocent road users.

“The Christmas campaign may be over but motorists should remember that our enforcement will continue throughout 2009 and not just during December.

“The only guaranteed way to stay safe is to not drink at all. Ignoring this advice not only risks your life, but the lives of other innocent road users. Make no mistake, the penalties for flouting this is severe.”