More Drink-Drivers Caught Than Last Xmas

The head of the PSNI's Traffic Branch has described his disappointment after the number of motorists detected drink-driving in the run-up to Christmas has increased from last year.

Yesterday, he said preliminary figures show that between 25 November and 18 December, 250 drivers or motorists were found to be unfit to drive, or unable, or refused, to give a sample.

The figure is 28 higher than last year, added Superintendent Muir Clark, who called drink-driving a "shameful and incredibly dangerous practice".

He said one person detected was four-and-a-half times the legal limit and another two were found to be four times the maximum.

The UUP Environment Spokesperson, Danny Kinahan has asked Northern Ireland's drivers to think twice and not drink and drive over the Christmas holidays.

"News that the number of people being found over the legal limit has increased it extremely concerning.

"While the Christmas period is a time when we all like to relax and enjoy ourselves it is totally unacceptable that motorists are taking a conscious decision to get behind the steering wheel when they are unfit to drive," the Ulster Unionist MLA said.

"Drink driving doesn't only put your own life at risk; you also seriously increase the chances of killing or injuring another road user or pedestrian.

"The PSNI have said they will take a zero tolerance approach to people who insist on driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"I and my Party would fully support them in this approach. But I do hope that motorists will exercise some common sense and make alternative travel arrangements when going out over the holiday period."

A DUP Member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Ian McCrea has also expressed his concern that the number of recorded drink drivers has increased compared to the same time last year.

"The figures reflect the reality that for a hardcore group of people it is acceptable behaviour to drink alcohol and drive. Such people are mistaken. Drink driving causes death on our roads and I welcome the fact that the police are adopting such a robust approach in targeting suspected drink drivers.

"At this time of the year for some people there will be a temptation to risk driving their car after taking too much alcohol. I would ask everyone to consider the danger such a course of action poses.

"No family wants to lose a loved one because of the selfish behaviour of someone who thought they could take the risk of drink driving", said the DUP MLA.

(BMcC)