100 caught in police drink drive blitz

More than 100 motorists flouted drink-drive laws over Christmas, police announced yesterday as they pledged to continue to clamp down on motorists under the influence.

A total of 4,514 breath tests were carried out as part of Norfolk police's annual festive campaign to cut the number of drink-drivers.

Between December 1 and January 1, 114 people were arrested on suspicion of either failing a breath test or refusing to take one.

This was a slight reduction on last year, when 135 people were arrested, but PC Michael Edney, the county's casualty reduction officer, said it was still too many.

He added: “Drink-driving ruins lives yet there are still a small group of individuals who continue to refuse to listen to our message, risking their own lives and also other innocent road users.

“The Christmas campaign may be over but motorists should remember that our enforcement will continue throughout 2008 and not just during December. The simple answer for all drivers is not to drink any alcohol and then drive. That's the sensible and safe way to avoid becoming another statistic.”

The majority of tests were carried out in the central area, where 44 people were arrested out of the 2,097 stopped.

In the western area 44 people were also arrested out of just 777 stopped. In the east of the county 1,526 people were stopped and 26 were charged.

The campaign aimed to reduce the number and severity of casualties involved in road traffic collisions, educate drivers of the dangers of driving while influenced by alcohol and deter people who might be tempted to drink and drive or to take drugs and drive.

A spokesman said: “If you're convicted of drink driving you'll have a criminal record; you can go to prison for up to 10 years; you can be banned from driving; you could be fined heavily; you could lose your job and your home; and your insurance costs will increase.”