NI motorists 'four times over limit'

Some motorists have been found four times over the legal limit in Northern Ireland’s Christmas crackdown on drunken drivers, it was revealed today.

A total of 330 drivers were detected in the first 26 days of the police campaign, 40 more than the same period last year.

Superintendent Ian Hamill, head of the road policing development branch, said he was saddened so many motorists had ignored warnings.

He said: “No one should be in any doubt about our determination to apprehend offenders.”

Four drivers were four times over the limit. One hundred and thirty six were over twice the limit and another 37 three times the limit.

With 28 drink-related road deaths in Northern Ireland last year, police have pledged no let up in the anti-drink driving offensive over the New Year period as well.

Drunken pedestrians were also a problem, according to Mr Hamill.

He said: “Drunk drivers should be in no doubt that police will be on patrol to apprehend those foolish or reckless enough to think they can break the law and get away with it.”