Chester drink drive figures ‘disappointing’ say police

Dec 28 2009 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

POLICE say they are disappointed with the festive drink-drive figures.

Officers targeting drivers during the campaign, which started on December 1, have made more than 100 arrests already throughout the county in the first two weeks of the campaign.

Of those arrested, the biggest majority were aged between 26 and 35 years old followed by 36 to 45 year old category and then the 17 and 25 year old age category. Over the years drink and drug drive campaigns have resulted in the arrest of more men than women and this year is no exception.

Figures show 79% were men and 21% female of those that failed breath tests and an additional four men have failed drug impairment tests at the roadside.

The majority of arrests took place between midnight and 7am with the remainder spread thought out the day.

Roads Liaison Officer for Cheshire Police, Mike Jones, said: “Despite our warnings to drivers about keeping themselves safe by not drink or drug driving, it seems some people are still taking risks on the roads.