Significant rise in arrests for drink driving

During the latest annual operation, which ran between November 27, last year, and January 2, show that arrests have risen by just over 40% compared to the same period in 2014-2015

Speaking about the figures Board Chair Anne Connolly said: “Whilst the rise in the number of arrests for drink driving shows that the police operation has been very effective, it is shocking that there were 114 more arrests compared to the same period last year (396 arrests in total). Clearly some people are still not getting the message of the dangers and serious consequences of drinking and driving.

“Reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions, of which drink driving is a cause, is a key priority for the Board. This is reflected in the latest Policing Plan which proposes a multi - agency approach to tackling this serious issue.

The Policing and Community Partnerships (PCSPs) with the PSNI actively supported the ‘Never Ever Drink and Drive’ campaign which ran over the Christmas period.

“This message needs to be reinforced throughout the year and we will work with the PCSPs, PSNI and other agencies to continue to raise awareness of the serious impact drink driving can have across communities,” she said.