Police crack down on drink drivers

Northamptonshire Police’s yearly Christmas drink-driving campaign resulted in over 50 drivers undergoing breath tests on Monday morning (1 December).

Drivers in Bedford Road, Northampton were pulled over by police to ensure they were not driving over the legal limit after consuming alcohol the previous night.

Sergeant Tony Hopkins who carried out the operation, warned drivers not to be surprised by additional procedures which will also be carried out within the next four weeks.

He stated: “There will be a lot of officers out on the roads doing these kinds of tests during December because we want to make sure people are thinking about the dangers of drink-driving and not doing it.”

Over 100 drink-drivers were discovered by police on Northamptonshire’s roads in December last year, which was still a better result than when 130 drink-drivers were discovered in 2012.

However, none of the 50 drivers that were pulled over throughout Monday’s procedure were found to have been driving over the legal limit.

Sgt Hopkins remains optimistic that the number of drink-drivers will continue to plummet this year, with motorists understanding that driving under the influence causes great danger to other drivers and is socially intolerable.

He stated: “People need to think about the impact getting a driving ban would have. Would they be able to keep their job and get the children to school without a driving licence?

“People need to think, is it worth risking everything to drive instead of getting a taxi or walking home?”

Punishments ranging from a driving ban of minimum a year, six months prison sentence and fines of up to £5000 can be handed out to motorists found to be driving or attempting to drive under the influence.

More severe punishments in the case of death can include up to 14 years imprisonment, a two-year driving ban and a limitless fine.

Throughout December, drivers are being encouraged by police to plan before journeys, and ensure they have other means of transport before any Christmas parties to minimise the risk of driving after alcohol consumption.

By Matt Hamblin