Norfolk: Christmas Drink Drive Figures

13 January 2014, 11:47 | Updated: 13 January 2014, 12:24

Norfolk police have revealed their Christmas drink drive campaign figures.

Police say fewer than two percent of drivers breath tested over the Christmas period in Norfolk were over the limit.

Officers ran the operation to carry out testing across the county from December 2013 to January 2014, as part of the Association of Chief Police Officers and European Traffic Police Network month and week of action. This was backed up by the Think! Norfolk Road Safety Partnership’s 'Why Wouldn’t You' campaign, getting motorists to stop and think about their driving behaviour.

Police are determined to cut down the number of drink drivers, as 66 drivers tested positive after breathalysing over 3k.

Officers also tested drivers who have been involved in road traffic collisions. Of the 441 people breath-tested for this, nine tested positive.

Chief Inspector Chris Spinks said: "It is always pleasing when the vast majority of people have taken heed of our message – but equally it is disappointing that a few have ignored it and put themselves and others at risk. I would find it very interesting to hear what each person convicted of drinking and driving over Christmas answered to the question "Why wouldn’t you drive sober?” They clearly did not stop and think before getting into their vehicle, or thought they could risk getting behind the wheel, and that their actions will affect their lives going forward.

Along with our partners we will continue to educate people about the dangers of drinking and driving, as well as using a mobile phone whilst driving, not wearing seatbelts and speeding – all these behaviours put you at greater risk of being killed or seriously injured on our roads which we patrol every day to keep them safe.”