Winter drink drive campaign

A motorist driving around a roundabout the wrong way was one of a number of drivers stopped by police in an anti-speed operation in the local area last week.
ACC Alan ToddACC Alan Todd
ACC Alan Todd

A total of 36 tickets were issued during the crackdown, which focused on residential areas, popular walking routes and local schools.

Among the detections were four people using a mobile phone while driving, excess speed and driving with no insurance.

A bag of Class A drugs and syringes was also found,

One officer said, “There were two separate drivers going at 54mph and 55mph in 30mph zones, outside schools, when the children were getting out to go home.”

They have urged people to keep the speed down, especially coming into winter when the roads are icy.

Meanwhile, police have launched the annual winter drink drive operation and are now using new legislation which gives them the powers to perform random breath tests at vehicle checkpoints.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd explained, “Our basic message remains the same; there is no safe limit, so never EVER drink and drive. This new legislation gives police another tool that will hopefully help us to prevent people taking life-threatening, unacceptable, simply stupid risks.

“Previously, police officers needed a reasonable suspicion about the manner of someone’s driving, have seen a moving traffic offence, or been called to a collision before requiring a preliminary breath test from a driver.

“The new legislation means we can now establish vehicle checkpoints solely for the purpose of carrying out random breath tests, something which we hope will act as an even more visible, physical deterrent.

“Just one drink can impair ability to drive.”