News Release
Drink/Drive risks still being taken
Dated: 21 Dec 2007
People are still risking both their lives and livelihoods as well as others through driving after drinking or taking drugs.
Although the month-long Northumbria Police Christmas campaign against drink and drug driving does not end until January 1, figures collected for the European-wide TISPOL campaign can now be revealed.
Between December 10 and 16 there were 269 people tested in Northumbria with 34 proving positive. This equates to 13% of the total.
Operations Department Chief Inspector Kevin Wellden, said: "At this time of year we would expect a positive result of less than 10%, but these figures show there has been an increase to 13%.
"It's concerning at this early stage that even with all the media awareness and campaigns at this time of year we are still seeing an increase in the numbers drinking and driving. However, we will continue enforcing the law and anyone stupid enough to risk drinking or taking drugs and driving will be arrested and charged.
"This can prove life-changing. Not only can it mean a driving ban of at least one year, a fine and huge increases in insurance premiums over the next ten years, but can also lead to people losing their job and even their home.
"It can also have even more tragic consequences as they are putting both their own and other people's lives at risk.
"I cannot emphasise enough how critical this is in terms of keeping the roads of Northumberland and Tyne and Wear safe over the festive season.
"Our message remains the same: don't drink or take drugs and drive."
The local Northumbria campaign is running in tandem with the national ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) initiative, until January 1.