23 people have been charged in relation to drink/drug driving offences in the north-east as part of the organisation’s national summer drink drive campaign.
Over the first two weeks of July, police carried out a drink drive campaign with high visibility patrols and roadside checks to detect those driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
Of those breathalysed, 21 people, 19 men and 2 women, were charged in relation to driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
One of the people charged, a 46-year-old man, provided a breath sample of 108mg – almost five times the legal drink drive limit.
At court, he also faces his vehicle being forfeited.
A further two men were charged in relation to driving whilst under the influence of drugs.
North East Road Policing Sergeant Stuart Lawrence said: “Over the course of the two weeks we had officers patrolling in towns and local communities and also conducting roadside checks. Overall, those detected over the drink drive limit amounted to 4% of everyone we stopped, which means that 96% of those drivers we stopped were adhering to the law.
“It’s obviously encouraging that the majority of drivers we stopped are obeying the law, however 23 people detected driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs is 23 too many.
“The consequences of drink or drug driving are widely known, so it is disappointing that drivers still think that it is acceptable to take this risk.
“Part of the campaign included looking out for early morning motorists that may still be under the influence from the night before.
“Of the 23 people detected, 5 of those were found to be over the limit the morning after.
“For me the message is clear. If you are going to drive then do not drink. Use public transport or licenced taxis, or simply take turns with your friends at being the designated driver. It is possible to have a good night out whilst staying sober”.
Sergeant Lawrence added: “Although the official summer campaign may have ended our patrols will continue throughout the summer and beyond.
“For your own safety and that of other road users do not drink and drive however convenient it may seem at the time. There are always other options for travel which will keep you and others safe”.
