Message is clear on drink-driving

Between June 1 and July 1, 3,646 motorists were breath tested as part of a national crackdown.

Nine per cent (327 drivers) were subsequently arrested, including people who failed to give a sample of their breath. By comparison, campaigns last summer and at Christmas saw 15 per cent and 14 per cent of drivers, respectively, testing positive.

Superintendent Mick Doyle, head of roads policing, said: "Nearly one in 10 drivers stopped by police during this campaign gave a positive breath test.

"It is extremely disappointing that some drivers are still choosing to ignore our warnings and think it is acceptable to put their lives and the lives of other road users at risk.

"This particular campaign has ended but we will continue with the targeted, intelligence-led policing that has led to the high numbers of drink-drivers being caught recently."

In all, 1,108 drivers were tested after collisions, of which 84 tested positive.

All drivers who provided a positive breath test or who refused or failed to provide one, will face losing their licence for at least 12 months.

They could also be imprisoned for six months or be fined up to £5,000.

Eighty-five of 871 drivers under 25 breathalysed gave a positive test; of the over-25s 2,775 were tested and 242 drivers tested positive.

Mr Doyle added: "For some time many people have thought that younger drivers have got the message about drink-driving.

"However, these figures support recent research which demonstrates that drinking and driving is an issue for younger drivers and that the message of just how dangerous it is to drink and drive is not getting through.

"It is not difficult to avoid drink-driving - take a taxi, stay at a friend's house, nominate a designated driver or just don't drink, otherwise the consequences could be disastrous.

"I would urge anyone who sees someone getting into a vehicle after drinking to call police on 999 immediately."

* If you have information about suspected drink-drivers, call the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505 or, if you don't want to speak to police, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.