Dorset Police report drop in drink-drive arrests (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Dorset Police report drop in drink-drive arrests

1:00pm Friday 18th January 2013 in News By James Tourgout

POLICE have hailed a fall in the number of arrests in this year’s Christmas and new year drink and drug driving campaign.

The force said that the number of people arrested fell by 25 per cent compared to last year’s campaign.

A total of 100 people were arrested during the campaign – down on the 133 people arrested last year.

Traffic sergeant Joe Pardey said: “It is encouraging to see that the number of drivers risking their lives, and the lives of other road users, by choosing to drink and drive over the festive season has reduced.

“Most of the motorists stopped were very supportive of the officers’ actions and fully supported the campaign to reduce road casualties.”

Of the 100 people arrested during this year’s campaign, 79 were men and 21 were women.

More than half of all the people arrested – 54 drivers – were between 25 and 50 years of age.

During the campaign, officers acted on information submitted by the public to intercept suspected drink drivers on Dorset’s roads.

Sergeant Pardey said: “The message seems to be getting across to the people of Dorset that drinking and driving is dangerous and just not worth the risk.

“However, I’d continue to encourage members of the public to contact us if they suspect someone is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol so we can take action.”

During the Christmas campaign there was an increase in traffic patrols and roadside checks.

Every driver involved in a collision was breath-tested, irrespective of whether they were suspected of drink-driving or not.