Description:
05/01/2010
DRINK DRIVE CAMPAIGN – FINAL FIGURES
A total of 108 people were arrested for drink driving on the county’s roads during Northamptonshire Police’s annual winter campaign.
The key figures for the campaign, which ran from 1 December 2009 to 1 January 2010, are:
- 1358 breath tests were carried out by officers
- 108 people were arrested
- Of the 108 people arrested, 65 have been charged with investigations continuing on the others
- Two of the arrests made so far were between 7am and noon the ‘morning after’
- Of the 108 people arrested, 35 are aged between 17 and 24
- 22 of the 17-24 year olds have been charged and investigations are continuing on the other
- One of the arrests for 17-24 year olds was made the morning after
The figures for the same time period in the 2008/9 campaign were:
- 640 breath tests were carried out
- 98 people were arrested for positive results and 66 had been charged with investigations continuing on the others
- Nine of the arrests were made between 7am and noon the ‘morning after’
- Of the 98 people arrested, 34 were aged between 17 and 24
- 23 of the 17-24 year olds had been charged and investigations were continuing on the others
- One of the arrests for 17-24 year olds was made the morning after
Throughout the campaign a series of co-ordinated roadside operations took place to carry out checks throughout the county. As well as the co-ordinated operations, all drivers involved in road traffic collisions, spotted committing road traffic offences, and those suspected of having taken alcohol, were also subjected to breath tests.
Chief inspector Gary Percival said: “Officers carried out 1358 breath tests – more than double the amount of breath tests carried out during the last winter campaign. Whilst we are pleased that the percentage of people failing breath tests has gone down from 15% last year to 8% this year, we are still very disappointed that 108 people were still risking losing everything by getting behind the wheel under the influence.
“It is also disappointing to note that 35 of the arrests made were offenders aged 17-24. Young drivers represent around 10% of licence holders in the county, yet account for 32% of the arrests during this campaign. We would urge parents and family members to help us reinforce the message that drinking and driving is unacceptable behaviour and will not be tolerated.
“Drinking and driving costs lives and we will continue to carry out breath tests throughout the year and not just at Christmas. Offenders stand a very high chance of getting caught and we must stress that a drink drive conviction has the potential to ruin your life – not only will you have a criminal record and substantial fine, you could also lose your licence and your job. Anyone who gets behind the wheel intoxicated is risking their own life and the lives of others. One way or another, drink driving WILL cost you.”
Anyone who suspects a driver of taking to the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs can call the Drivewatch Hotline, a 24-hour telephone service, on 0800 174615. The confidential service is regularly monitored and intelligence is followed up by officers.
ENDS
|
(0.0)
