Community rallies to catch drink-drivers (From Gazette & Herald)

Community rallies to catch drink-drivers

3:14pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News By Karen Darley

POLICE have thanked the public for their help to get drink and drug drivers off the road.

Following an active campaign over the festive period, officers have continued to target offenders, making 13 arrests since January 1, including a man in Malton in the early hours of last Thursday.

A report was received from a member of the public in the town, who had seen a Vauxhall Corsa go through traffic lights at speed and hit a pillar in Yorkersgate.

The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old local man, was arrested at the scene of the incident after failing a roadside breath test and has since been charged. He will appear at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, January 31.

Officers have arrested 114 motorists on suspicion of drink driving and conducted 3,455 breath tests during their annual festive crackdown. They included 882 breath tests – 19 positive in Scarborough and Ryedale.

High-visibility patrols were an integral part of the campaign, but intelligence from the community was equally important as it allowed officers to target certain people and specific areas.

Although targeted campaigns such as the Christmas initiative are a focal point in the efforts to put a stop to drink and drug driving, officers are keen to point out that with the help of the public they can target people who get behind the wheel while impaired all year round.

Traffic sergeant Pete Stringer, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group, said: “Although it is concerning that we arrested more people during this year’s campaign than we did 12 months ago and during the summer campaign, I am really pleased by the response of the public in general.

“The vast majority of people know that drink and drug driving is reckless, dangerous and irresponsible, which was evident in the number of calls we received to report people suspected of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“The public’s support is invaluable in helping to keep our roads safe from drink and drug drivers and I would like to thank everyone for their continued help.

“I hope people will continue to provide us with information throughout the year because the fight against drink driving isn’t just for one month over Christmas – it is a 12-month campaign.

“It will continue year after year until people get the message that drink driving costs lives and is completely unacceptable.”

If you would like to report someone you suspect of drink or drug driving, phone North Yorkshire Police on 101 and select option 1.

If you wish to remain anonymous, phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.