More Drink Drivers Than Ever Caught

10th December 2012

Head of Northern Constabulary�s Road Policing Unit has expressed disappointment at the 13 drivers who chose to put their own and the lives of others at risk by drink driving despite numerous warnings.

The 13 were detected by Police during week one of the 2012/13 ACPOS Festive Safety Campaign, which focuses primarily on drink and drug driving.

Seven of those detected were caught by Police officers and six were reported by members of the public. 11 of those caught were male and two were female. Five of this week�s drink drivers were between 17 and 25-years-old. There were no drug drivers detected during week one of the campaign.

Northern Constabulary is joining Scotland�s other forces in this four week campaign to target those who continue to break the drink or drug drive laws.

Head of the Force Road Policing Unit, Inspector Neil Lumsden said: "It is very disappointing to note that there were almost double the number of drink drivers caught during week one of the campaign compared to the same week the previous year.

"It is concerning that so many chose to ignore the numerous high profile warnings we have issued in relation to drink or drug driving.

"This shows a complete disregard not only for their own safety but that of other road users and pedestrians.

"We will continue to take a pro-active approach to drink or drug driving throughout and beyond this campaign and reiterate that it is simply not acceptable.�

He added: "We would, however, like to thank the public for their continued support and the fact that we received a number of calls about drink drivers from concerned residents shows that the public continue to support our campaign and are fed up at these people putting the lives of others at risk.�

Northern Constabulary officers will be carrying out high profile patrols across the Force area in marked and unmarked vehicles and will conduct static checks whilst acting on information from the public in targeting known offenders.

Police are urging the public to help end the scourge of drink and drug driving by reporting suspected offenders to Northern Constabulary on 0845 600 5703 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Drink driving is not worth the risk. Offenders are at risk of losing their licence, family or even their job. Being caught drink or drug driving could also result if offenders being forced to re-sit their test and now under vehicle forfeiture legislation drink drivers could lose their vehicles.