Police launch drink drive blitz (From Somerset County Gazette)

Police launch drink drive blitz

7:00am Monday 1st December 2008

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EXPECT to get stopped, breathalysed and, if you’re over the limit, to lose your licence.

That’s the message Avon and Somerset police are sending drink drivers in the annual Christmas blitz.

Police, who say young men are the worst offenders, are warning motorists to resist the temptation to drink.

Supt Andy Pullan, of the road policing unit, said: “Although drink driving is a year-round problem we tackle day-in, day-out, the temptations of Christmas parties and impromptu drinks after work can mean people who might otherwise be more organised and make arrangements to get home are tempted to get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.

“Rather than getting hung up on ‘safe limits’, our advice is that if you’re driving, don’t drink at all - one drink alone is enough to have an affect on your reactions and perceptions and put your own and other, innocent people’s lives at risk.”

Officers expect to stop 10,000 motorists over the festive period.

Last Christmas, 216 motorists were arrested drink driving across the force area.

Supt Pullan said: “A really important part of this campaign is our appeal to members of the public to do their bit by telling us about people they suspect regularly or intend to drink and drive.

“If people don’t feel confident to challenge the driver themselves, then it’s imperative they contact us.”

Anyone with information about drink drivers should contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.

In urgent cases where it is suspected someone is driving or about to drive over the limit, dial 999.

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