11/01/2006
Drink driving levels 'unacceptable'
The number of people continuing to drive under the influence of drink and drugs has been criticised as "unacceptable".
The Association of Chief Police Officers said that drivers were continuing to drive while under the influence, in spite of "substantial and well-publicised risk to themselves, pedestrians and other road users".
The announcement comes as the ACPO published the results of its Christmas clampdown on drink driving. The campaign, which ran throughout England and Wales during December, saw 133,136 drivers being breath-tested. Nearly 7% of the tests were positive.
More than 15,000 tests were also carried out on drivers involved in collisions during the period and 8.6% were found to be positive - a slight drop on last year's figure of 8.75%.
Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police and ACPO spokesperson on road policing Meredydd Hughes said: "Despite more than 40 years of campaigns to warn of the dangers of drink driving and the best efforts of police across England and Wales, some drivers continue to consider themselves above the law, putting themselves and other road users at risk by drinking and driving.
"There are no excuses for this behaviour. If people are confused about the amount of alcohol they can consume before driving, the advice is simple - do not drink at all if you are planning to drive."
Over 500 drivers were also subjected to 'fit to drive' tests for the first time. The tests, which are carried out on those suspected of driving under the influence of drugs, resulted in nearly a third of those tested being arrested for drink or drug impairment offences.
Chief Constable Hughes said that the number of people, particularly young people, driving under the influence of drugs was increasing. He said: "Driving impaired under the influence of drugs is no more acceptable than drink driving and will not be tolerated."
Chief Constable Hughes said that those drivers who had been arrested would now face court proceedings, disqualification, a fine or imprisonment.
(KMcA)
The Association of Chief Police Officers said that drivers were continuing to drive while under the influence, in spite of "substantial and well-publicised risk to themselves, pedestrians and other road users".
The announcement comes as the ACPO published the results of its Christmas clampdown on drink driving. The campaign, which ran throughout England and Wales during December, saw 133,136 drivers being breath-tested. Nearly 7% of the tests were positive.
More than 15,000 tests were also carried out on drivers involved in collisions during the period and 8.6% were found to be positive - a slight drop on last year's figure of 8.75%.
Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police and ACPO spokesperson on road policing Meredydd Hughes said: "Despite more than 40 years of campaigns to warn of the dangers of drink driving and the best efforts of police across England and Wales, some drivers continue to consider themselves above the law, putting themselves and other road users at risk by drinking and driving.
"There are no excuses for this behaviour. If people are confused about the amount of alcohol they can consume before driving, the advice is simple - do not drink at all if you are planning to drive."
Over 500 drivers were also subjected to 'fit to drive' tests for the first time. The tests, which are carried out on those suspected of driving under the influence of drugs, resulted in nearly a third of those tested being arrested for drink or drug impairment offences.
Chief Constable Hughes said that the number of people, particularly young people, driving under the influence of drugs was increasing. He said: "Driving impaired under the influence of drugs is no more acceptable than drink driving and will not be tolerated."
Chief Constable Hughes said that those drivers who had been arrested would now face court proceedings, disqualification, a fine or imprisonment.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 December 2009
Trafford Officer Tackles Gunman
A Manchester police man has been praised for tackling an armed assailant who threatened to shoot his colleague. The officer responded to a call for assistance after a fellow police man, who had been called to a disturbance at a pub on Lytham Road in Flixton, was threatened with a gun yesterday afternoon.
Trafford Officer Tackles Gunman
A Manchester police man has been praised for tackling an armed assailant who threatened to shoot his colleague. The officer responded to a call for assistance after a fellow police man, who had been called to a disturbance at a pub on Lytham Road in Flixton, was threatened with a gun yesterday afternoon.
28 September 2004
BMA demand smoking ban in public places
Using Ireland's recent anti-smoking legislation as a benchmark, BMA Chairman James Johnson today urged the government to follow suit and introduce a smoking ban.
BMA demand smoking ban in public places
Using Ireland's recent anti-smoking legislation as a benchmark, BMA Chairman James Johnson today urged the government to follow suit and introduce a smoking ban.
19 May 2015
Calls To Lower Drink-Drive Limit In England
The Police Federation has said the drink-drive limit in England and Wales should be lowered. The organisation, which represents rank and file officers in England and Wales, wants the limit cut from 80 to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
Calls To Lower Drink-Drive Limit In England
The Police Federation has said the drink-drive limit in England and Wales should be lowered. The organisation, which represents rank and file officers in England and Wales, wants the limit cut from 80 to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
20 July 2007
Drink-drive campaign targets young male motorists
Young men are being targeted by a new £3 million anti-drink drive campaign, which has been launched by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly. The new campaign is called 'Moments of Doubt' and focuses on the social consequences of being caught drink driving, rather than previous shocking images of crashes.
Drink-drive campaign targets young male motorists
Young men are being targeted by a new £3 million anti-drink drive campaign, which has been launched by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly. The new campaign is called 'Moments of Doubt' and focuses on the social consequences of being caught drink driving, rather than previous shocking images of crashes.
01 December 2005
Christmas drink drive campaign launched
The government has launched this year’s Christmas drink drive campaign. This year’s advertising will focus on the fact that motorists cannot calculate their own drink drive limits and, therefore, should avoid alcohol altogether.
Christmas drink drive campaign launched
The government has launched this year’s Christmas drink drive campaign. This year’s advertising will focus on the fact that motorists cannot calculate their own drink drive limits and, therefore, should avoid alcohol altogether.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.