Ref:05/09 January 21, 2009
Drunk drivers more likely than ever to be breathalysed: 9000 people arrested as part of nationwide police operation

More than 9.000 drivers have been arrested by police as part of a nationwide police operation to tackle the menace of drink and drug driving over the festive period.

The operation saw 43 forces breath test 183,397 drivers between 1 December 2008 and 1 January 2009, an increase of more than 25,000 from the 2007 campaign.

Despite the large increase in drivers breath tested by police, the percentage of drivers who tested positive remained largely static at 4.99%. The number of under 25s testing positive increased to 5.62%.

ACPO lead for Roads Policing and Chief Constable Gwent Police, Mick Giannasi, said:

“This year we saw forces test more drivers than in previous years. What these figures show is that if you are driving a car while under the influence you are more likely than ever before to be caught and disqualified.

“But the end of this campaign does not signify the end of our campaign on irresponsible drivers. Our efforts to tackle this behaviour continue 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“The percentage of drivers who tested positive, refused or failed to provide following a breath test has remained largely consistent from the 2007 operation which means, unfortunately, that there are still people out there who are not getting the message.

“Drink and drug drive collisions not only devastate the lives of victims and their families, but they also ruin the lives of the offenders. This year’s operation saw more than 27,000 drivers breath tested following a collision. Of these, 7.82% were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence – up from 6.93% in 2007.

“While it is too early to draw firm conclusions, the fact that there were 6% less collisions this year than last year could also indicate a link between increased testing and the risk of death and injury.

“It is clear that some drivers still consider themselves above the law and are prepared to put themselves, and others, at risk. Equally worrying however, is the fact that there remains an unacceptably high percentage of people (28.48%) arrested following a field impairment (drugs) test.

“It is also very disappointing that there is still a significant percentage of young people ignoring the fact that drinking and driving kills. These drivers are more inexperienced and even a small amount of alcohol could increase the likelihood of their being involved in a collision.

“Driving under the influence of any substance, whether it is alcohol or drugs is not acceptable. Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to judge speed and distances, reduce concentration and delay reaction speed.”

Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said:

“I congratulate police forces on carrying out a record number breath tests over the Christmas period and welcome the pledge to continue to tackle the menace of drink driving throughout the year. Drivers should be left in no doubt – get behind the wheel after a drink and you are more likely to be caught than ever before.

“The Department for Transport’s £1.6 million THINK! Christmas drink drive campaign was clear. Drink drivers are treated like any other criminal - they face giving blood and DNA samples and being locked in a police cell. They'll also get a minimum 12 months driving ban, criminal record and large fine.

“This isn’t just a message for Christmas, it’s for every day of the year. Drink driving ruins lives. In 2007, 460 people died and families across Britain were devastated – don’t do it.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

• The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).

• The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally led strategic body. In the public interest and, in equal and active partnership with Government and the Association of Police Authorities, ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In times of national need ACPO, on behalf of all chief officers, coordinates the strategic policing response.

• ACPO’s 341 members are police officers of Assistant Chief Constable rank (Commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, and senior police staff managers, in the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and other forces such as British Transport Police and States of Jersey Police.