Police Christmas drink drive campaign begins today - 12 drivers stopped already

Tuesday 01 December 2015

Police want you to report anyone you see getting behind the wheel after boozing this Christmas.

They’ve launched their annual Drink Drive campaign and will be out in force to take those they catch over the limit off the roads. The first road check was carried out this morning -12 vehicles were stopped, eight were found to have minor defects and the drivers were advised accordingly.​

A dozen people were arrested for it during the festive period last year but their message seems to be hitting home as that’s almost half the number of people arrested for it in 2011.

And there are fewer people drink driving at other times of the year too with total figures for the year down from 217 in 2011 to 144 last year.

Inspector Paul Smith who’s leading the campaign said: “If you’re caught you face a heavy fine and driving ban, or even worse hurting yourself or others in a collision.

“Alcohol is a depressant tending to make you feel over- confident, slowing down the brain and affecting the body’s responses. Why would anyone think it safe, or fair to gamble with the lives of others? No one has the right to put our families and friends at risk by mixing alcohol or drugs with driving.”

Between 230 and 290 people are killed on Britain’s roads each year with at least one driver over the legal drink drive limit.

Inspector Smith said: “The States of Jersey Police and our Honorary colleagues will be out in force this Christmas conducting road checks all over the island, keeping your community safe.

“We cannot achieve this alone, we need your help, please provide information on those who choose to drink and drive, putting us all at risk by calling us on 612612 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“Drink driving is not acceptable in our society and we all play a part in stopping it.”