251 Arrested In Winter Drink Drive Campaign

251 motorists were arrested by police during the 2013/14 winter anti-drink drive campaign, according to figures released by the PSNI.

The figures show a decrease from 273 during the 2012/13 operation, and include motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.

Announcing the figures, Head of Operations Branch, Superintendent David Moore said: "Once again, despite our warnings and highly visible police operations, 251 people still took the risk of killing or injuring themselves, their family, friends and other innocent road users by deciding to drive after drinking.

"While we welcome the fact that the vast majority of right thinking people realise that drink driving is shameful and unacceptable, clearly there is still an irresponsible minority who ignore all advice and warnings. Worryingly, this year we have also seen an increase in the number of women being detected – from 41 to 57.

"During this operation, we stopped and performed roadside preliminary breath tests on 4,582 drivers – over 500 more than last year. The 251 people who were subsequently arrested have begun 2014 with the prospect of going to court where they will almost certainly lose their driving licence. They should count themselves lucky. They could have lost their own life or destroyed the lives of others had police not stopped them."

(IT/CD)