06/12/10……..Drink-drive arrests up 93%!
THE number of drivers arrested by Thames Valley Police during the first five days of this year?s drink-drive campaign has increased by 93 per cent on last year.
A total of 52 people have been arrested in the Thames Valley area (including 14 in Oxfordshire and 10 in Buckinghamshire) during the first five days of the month-long campaign targeting drink and drug driving, starting on Wednesday (1/12). This compares to 27 arrests during the first five days of the 2009 campaign.
Of the 52 people arrested, 33 have been charged and will face a court hearing, 13 people have been released on bail and no further action will be taken against six people.
The highest reading recorded during this year?s campaign so far has been 125mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, more than three-and-a-half times over the legal limit of 35mg. This reading was recorded in Bracknell on Sunday (5/12).
Superintendent Rob Povey, Head of Roads Policing, said: ?It is very disappointing to see this year?s figures already higher than those recorded last year.
?Of those arrested so far, 45 were men and seven were women. They have ranged in age from 17 to 70 years old.
?I want to warn all drivers that our targeted road checks will be continuing up to and over the Christmas and New Year period so the message is simple, if you drive under the influence of drink or drugs, expect to face the consequences.
?In addition to the road checks we will be testing all drivers involved in collisions or anyone who has committed an offence, or is suspected of drug driving. We will also be acting on information from the public.
?If you are going out and know you will be drinking, organise alternative transport or a designated driver to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the festive period safely.?
Thames Valley Police?s Christmas campaign will run until 1 January, 2011.
All drivers who provide positive breath tests or who refuse to provide or fail to provide a breath sample when requested to, face the prospect of a prison sentence of up to six months as well as losing their driving licence for at least 12 months.
