Police drink-drive crackdown

Police have been setting up a regular series of checkpoints to remind motorists about the dangers of being over the limit and will be stepping up the campaign closer to Christmas Day and the New Year.

Already they are carrying out the roadside stops three times a day at undisclosed locations throughout the area.

The operation, only at its half-way point, has already achieved impressive results - 92 drivers have been breathalysed at checkpoints with seven of those tested being over the limit.

Officers have also tested 44 people at recent accident locations, with one person found to be drink-driving.

Most of the hundreds of motorists stopped are simply reminded of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.

"There is certainly an increase in the number of instances where people can put themselves over the limit at this time of year," said Sergeant Paul Masterson. "There are a large number of office parties and get-togethers, and the number of opportunities where people might drink and drive increases.

"We are not out to discourage people from having a good time, but if people have a drink we would prefer it if they didn't drive - otherwise they may well end up meeting one of us for the wrong reasons."

Police are currently targeting the times of day people tend to be caught for drink driving - early in the morning, after lunch and at night.

Sgt Masterson said: "We are trying to educate people and tell them that if they go out the night before, they have to consider very carefully whether they should be driving the next morning.

"The lunchtime checks are about the Christmas parties and office get-togethers when people might be tempted to have a drink with colleagues.

"Obviously people go out at night at this time of year and they should think before getting in the car."

It is hoped the public will take on board the advice they are given.

Sgt Masterson added: "We would like to think it is a case of simply having a word - just a couple of sentences - and getting a reaction.

"We generally find people are very positive about what we are trying to do."