Too many still drink and drive, says force (From Warrington Guardian)

Too many still drink and drive, says force

A SHOCKING number of drivers are still getting behind the wheel after having one too many for the road, according to Cheshire Constabulary.

Early figures released from a Christmas crack-down on drink-drivers show that a total of 49 motorists in Congleton and Vale Royal provided positive breath tests in November when tested by officers from the Road Policing Unit (RPU), compared to 40 in the same month last year.

Sgt Peter Hough from the division's RPU said: "Although in one sense the campaign is proving to be a success because we are getting these people off the road, I hate to call it a success as it shows that there are still drivers out there who have a total disregard for the drink-drive legislation.

"My officers and I witness first hand the carnage caused by drink-driving and that's why I'm absolutely clear on my advice to drivers - if you're going to drive, do not drink."

Every driver involved in a collision is breath-tested along with those suspected of drink-driving who are stopped as part of a routine stop check, and police also act on information from members of the public to pro-actively target possible drink-drivers.

Sgt Hough said: "I'd like to thank members of the public for their help in getting drink-drivers off the road.

"Information passed on to us by residents has helped us target and arrest lots of drivers who regularly flout drink-driving laws.

"I'd urge them to continue passing on information in this way - it's vital in helping us make Congleton and Vale Royal roads safer."

Anyone with information about drink-drivers should contact Cheshire Constabulary on 01244 350000 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

gbebbington@guardiangrp.co.uk