THE Roads Policing Unit has expressed disappointment that, despite its best efforts to prevent drink driving over Christmas, some people still got behind the wheel after boozing.
Throughout the festive period, 13 drivers were arrested, nine charged, two bailed awaiting further enquiries and two released with no proceedings following the police department’s anti drink driving campaign.
Inspector Terry Stephen, of the unit, said: ‘The constabulary has committed a great deal of resources, from the island’s neighbourhood teams and the Road Policing Unit to support the Department of Infrastructure’s Road Safety Unit and this year’s campaign.
‘We have stopped a total of 819 vehicles over the month-long campaign which is an increase over the last two years. The vast majority of motorists were very supportive of this initiative and backed our efforts to keep people safe on the roads over Christmas and the New Year period.’
But he added: ‘Unfortunately some still felt it was an acceptable risk to drink and drive and they have or will be dealt with by the courts. It is amazing that despite our best efforts to prevent drink driving a minority of people still chose to take the chance of driving whilst they are unfit.
‘We will continue to pro-actively promote this aspect of road safety throughout the year ahead. If you have concerns about anybody who you believe drives whilst unfit through drink or drugs you can contact any police station or leave information anonymously on the Crimestoppers telephone number.’
