NORTHERN Constabulary echoes ACPOS’ concerns about the number of young drink drivers. NINE of the sixteen drink drivers caught over the past week are under 25. Three of these were involved in road traffic collisions.
During week three of the national Drink/Drug Driving campaign, the Force reported 16 people (14 men and 2 women) for drink driving, compared to 17 drink drivers during the same period last year.
Head of the Force’s Road Policing Section, Inspector John Smith, said:
"It is concerning that too many young people, who have been celebrating during the festive season, are getting behind the wheel and putting themselves and other road users as well as the public at risk. I would advise people not to try and decide if they are under the limit. It is much safer not to drink any alcohol before driving."
He repeated a warning to all drivers:
"High profile early morning checks will continue across the region. Sometimes, due to the nature of the offence, drink drivers will be held in Police custody until the next available court date. This is certainly no way to bring in the new Year. This underlines how seriously the Force treats offences such as drink and drug driving. We will continue to enforce the law in this regard throughout the year. I would reiterate our message, don’t risk it."
A 43 year-old disqualified male driver was arrested in the Western Isles on 23 December with a count of 132ug, 3 times over the limit.
Chair: Jim Ferguson
