100 drink-drivers a week in North

Almost 100 motorists a week were found to be over the limit during the police anti-drink driving blitz in Northern Ireland, it was confirmed today.

Figures released by the Police Service of Northern Ireland revealed that 294 drink-drivers were detected in the first three weeks of the campaign.

This is 55 up on the same time last year and includes motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.

Assistant Chief Constable Roy Toner, who launched the campaign at the end of November, said that the detection rate reflected the robust approach being taken by police.

He warned there would continue to be no hiding place for those who drink and drive.

“The fact that we are averaging around 100 detections a week shows we are delivering on that promise. If an irresponsible minority are determined to continue to drink and drive they can be assured we are determined to catch them.”

Mr Toner said that this year’s campaign had been boosted by a number of operations which concentrate police resources on road safety – in both urban and rural regions.

Overall, since January 1 this year, police have detected 3,527 drink-drivers - an increase of 1,452 on the same period last year.

Mr Toner reminded people that 24 of this year’s deaths on the roads were drink-related.

“The vast majority of the public realises that driving after taking drink or drugs is shameful and dangerous.

“For those who choose to ignore all the advice and warnings there will inevitably be only one route, and that is to the courts where they will lose their licences,” he added.