90 Arrested In Dorset For Drink Driving

The number of people arrested for drink driving across Dorset over the festive period has increased compared to the same time last year, police figures show.

Around 90 people were arrested between December 1 and the 18 compared to 51 during December 2010, Dorset Police shows.

The figures have been released as part of Dorset Police's annual anti-drink and drug driving campaign, which will run until January 1, 2012.

Inspector Matt Butler, of the Dorset Police Traffic Unit, said: 

"Motorists who drink and drive are risking lives. Twelve of the drivers arrested in the first 15 days of December provided a positive breath test after being involved in a collision.

"If you have a Christmas party over the coming days, then plan ahead to make sure you can get home safely without having to drive."

The crack-down on motorists will see officers joining up with the force's No Excuse team, which targets speeding, mobile phone use and other dangerous habits behind the wheel.

Inspector Butler added: 

"We have received excellent information from the public so far during the campaign, which has led to drink drive arrests, helping to take dangerous drivers off our roads.

"We are very grateful for this and I urge members of the public to dial 999 if they suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.''

The safety drive is part of Dorset Police's 12 Days of Christmas campaign, where the force is tweeting crime prevention advice and material. Follow the force on Twitter at @dorsetpolice  with hashtag #DP12Days.