Motoring offences - Drink drivers forfeit claims for sympathy

Despite the recent massive publicity campaign, drink driving offences have risen dramatically over the pre-Christmas period.

In the three weeks leading up to December 18, some 1,600 motorists were caught speeding, 503 drivers and their passengers were cited for not wearing seat belts, and a total of 977 people were arrested for drink driving offences. The latter figure compares with 900 in the same period of last year, which is an 8.5% increase.

Drink driving figures were up in Dublin, Cork and Limerick, where there were 46 arrests up 28% on last year's figure. The six-week drink driving campaign is due to continue until January 8. People have been given plenty of warning.