More than 900 breath tests in drink-drive campaign (From The Northern Echo)

More than 900 breath tests in drink-drive campaign

1:20pm Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Hartlepool News

A CHRISTMAS drink-driving clampdown resulted in 902 drivers being breath-tested on Cleveland's roads.

In total, 48 people either tested positive, refused to take the test or the individual concerned failed to provide a sample of breath.

An additional 13 people were arrested while unfit to drive and four people were found to be unfit through drugs following a field impairment test.

The campaign involved stop checking of vehicles, as well as targeting activities in areas known for drink-related collisions and drink or drug-drive offenders.

Cleveland Police's policy is to breathalyse any driver committing a moving traffic offence, or who is involved in a collision, and anyone suspected of drinking alcohol.

Inspector Mick Little said: "We have again been out in force tackling the issue of drink or drug drivers who use our roads.

"While these people continue to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs, we will continue to carry out our operations in order to remove them from Cleveland's roads.

"Those who have tested positive, refused a test or failed to provide a sample will now appear before the courts to face the consequences of their actions.

"A lcohol or drugs can be a factor in road collisions, and can cause serious or even fatal injuries. It is also important that people remember that the morning after drinking, they can still be over the drink-drive limit."