Cotswolds News

67 drivers ‘risking lives’

3:30pm Friday 27th January 2012

POLICE in Gloucestershire made more than 60 arrests for drink-driving during the annual Christmas and New Year crackdown.

Between December 1, 2011, and January 1, 2012, officers conducted 1,636 breath tests; 67 of which led to arrests.

These figures mean there was a four per cent arrest rate – the same as during the previous year’s campaign – when there were 1,367 breath tests which led to 52 arrests.

Inspector Jason Keates, of the Constabulary’s roads policing unit, said: “While we have made more arrests during the latest campaign, the arrest rate remains the same, which is heartening in some ways.

“However, the fact is there were still 67 people prepared to risk their lives and the lives of others through driving while under the influence of alcohol. It’s a shameful thing to do at any time of year, and particularly during a time when people are supposed to be showing goodwill.

“Now, all of those arrested are dealing with the consequences of their actions.

“All of them will have either lost, or will soon lose, their driving licences, they may lose their jobs and even face a relationship breakdown.”

Garry Handley, driver training manager with the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership, said: “I expect that many of the motorists who will be prosecuted for drinking and driving may well not have set out to deliberately break the law, rather they took a gamble that the amount they had drunk would be below the legal limit.

“Please don’t forget that any amount of alcohol will impair driving ability and increase the risk of a collision, so make your New Year resolution to always adopt a ‘zero limit’ if you are driving.”

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