16/03/2005

Police issue bank holiday drink driving warning

Police have issued advice about the dangers of drinking and driving as thousands of people prepare to take off work for the bank holiday.

Last year 4,423 drivers were detected for drink or drugs driving offences, up 1,634 on the previous year.

Chief Inspector Brian Kee, of the Police Service's Road Policing Development Branch, said: "March 17 is a day for people to enjoy themselves. We do not want to spoil anyone's fun, but we would remind people of the terrible consequences of drinking and driving. One quarter of all road deaths in this country is down to drink.

"We would urge people who are going to take drink to make travel arrangements in advance. Have one member of the party stay sober and act as driver or organise a lift, taxi or bus ride home."

Chief Inspector Kee added that while he hoped people would heed the advice that they should “never, ever drink and drive,” police would continue to take a robust stance on enforcement.

(MB/SP)

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