Tough stance on drink-driving pays off

The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s tough stance on drink-driving has led to a high detection rate with a total of 138 drink-drivers have been detected in the first 11 days of the Christmas period.

A police spokesperson said that the figure, which includes motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample, was 25 up on the same period last year.

Superintendent Ian Hamill, head of Road Policing Development Branch, said the figures reflected the “robust” approach being taken by police: "So far, 710 motorists have been breath tested. While we have tested more drivers than ever before, it is disappointing that so many continue to ignore all the advice and warnings given and disregard the wishes of the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland. This situation is just not acceptable to the police or the community they serve."

Environment minister, Mr Sam Foster, welcoming police enforcement on drink-driving, said: "Enforcement has got to be tough. Drink drivers must be brought before the courts and made to face the full rigours of the law. Drink driving is a shameful activity. It will not be tolerated by society."

Superintendent Hamill warned that all drivers involved in a collision, no matter how slight, to which police were called would be breath tested. He said that of the 138 drink drivers detected so far, 34 were after collisions.

Warning that there would be no let-up, he added: "One in every four people who are killed on Northern Ireland's roads die because of drink. Let us try not to have any more empty spaces at the family table this Christmas. If you are going to a party or a bar, arrange for one member of the group to stay sober or organise transport. Remember. Never, ever drink and drive."

He revealed that 12 of the drivers detected were more than three times over the legal limit, and two were almost five times over the limit. (SP)