PSNI To Carry Breathalysers Over Christmas

It has been revealed all PSNI officers will carry a breathalyser while on duty this Christmas.

The measures, which will see pocket-sized breathalysers issued to all officers, are being introduced for the first time ever in a bid to crack down on drink-driving over the holidays.

Last Christmas police detected 429 people who had been drink driving.

Head of Operations Branch Superintendent Mark Purdon said: "This figure was particularly disappointing, but considering that some of these people were so drunk, they could barely stand up, it just beggars belief that some people still insist on attempting to drive after drinking."

"If you find yourself asking the question, I wonder if I'm ok to drive? Or if you find yourself trying to calculate if you are under the drink drive limit, whether that's after one drink, or the morning after a night out, just don't take the risk. The consequences could be catastrophic."

The measures are being introduced on top of other resources including fast unmarked police cars that will patrol the roads.

The message from the PSNI is clear: do not have a single alcoholic drink if you are driving.

Police say if someone is caught drink driving they will lose their licence for at least a year and will find it difficult to obtain car insurance.

"People don't accidentally have a beer or glass of wine, they make a conscious decision. It only takes one drink to impair your decision-making ability. The only right decision is to leave the car or motorbike at home if you're drinking," said Superintendent Purdon.

"The message is simple, 'It's never OK to drive and drive."

(IT)