Police drink-drive crackdown catches nearly 150 motorists under the influence

POLICE have renewed their appeal to motorists not to drink and drive over the festive period and especially today, Christmas Eve.
It follows the arrest of more than 140 drivers since the December 1 launch of a Christmas anti-drink and drive campaign across the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area.
Nineteen of the motorists were caught in checks conducted in the West Somerset policing area.
A total of 146 drivers have so far been arrested during the campaign, of which almost one-third (41) were aged under 25 years.
The arrested drivers either gave a positive breath specimen or refused to provide a specimen, or were driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
Supt Andy Pullan, head of the force’s road policing unit, said: “There is no failsafe guide as to how to stay under the legal drink drive limit, or how much you can drink and still drive safely.
“That is why we urge people not to drink at all if they are driving.”
Supt Pullan said officers would continue to carry out high visibility roadside checks across known drink-drive hotspots throughout the force area.
He said they would also be taking the opportunity to provide car crime prevention advice.
Police estimate by the end of the Christmas drink-drive campaign up to 10,000 motorists will have been stopped by officers.
The crackdown on drink-driving is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Association of Chief Police Officers throughout the month of December.
Although there is a focused campaign throughout December, Supt Pullan said the drink-drive message applied across the 365 days of the year.
He said: “It is recognised that over the festive period there is a greater risk, but we will remain relentless in our campaign against drink-driving in Avon and Somerset.”
Anybody with information about drink-drivers should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
They do not have to give their name and they could receive a reward.
In urgent cases where it is suspected somebody is driving or about to drive while drunk, thereby putting life at risk, people should call 999.

• Our photograph shows a police officer preparing to carry out a roadside breath test. Photo submitted.