Police delighted at drop in Christmas drink-drive culprits (From Warrington Guardian)

Police delighted at drop in Christmas drink-drive culprits

Report by

HAYLEY TUTT

MOTORISTS in Mid Cheshire have been praised for helping to make the county's roads safer by refusing to drink and drive over Christmas and New Year.

Annual figures released by Cheshire Constabulary this week show a decline in the number of people found to be over the legal alcohol limit during roadside checks in December.

Of the 9,737 cars stopped during the campaign, only 12 motorists were caught drink-driving, despite almost three times as many people being tested compared with last year.

Assistant Chief Constable John Dwyer welcomed the results.

"Broadly speaking we are happy with these figures and it is always encouraging to see a decline, especially when taken into consideration with the extra long Christmas and New Year holidays and celebrations," he said.

"We would like to thank every driver who celebrated safely over the festive period by making alternative travel arrangements."

As part of this year's campaign, leaflets were placed on vehicles in car parks to remind motorists of the dangers of drinking and driving, and a series of posters were also sent out to local businesses to reinforce the message.

But despite the drop on last year's figures, Mr Dwyer urged motorists not to become complacent.

"While these figures are encouraging, there remains a core of people who continue to take potentially lethal chances with their own and other people's lives," he said.

"Cheshire Constabulary will not tolerate such activity or attitudes and will do everything possible to ensure that the county's roads are safe and these selfish individuals are taken off the roads."

He added: "Christmas may be over but no-one is above the law and the message remains the same - don't drink and drive."

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