Record numbers tested during Summer Drink Drive campaign

Published: 29 July 2009

A police campaign targeting drink driving has resulted in a record number of drivers being breath tested during June this year.

As part of the national Summer Drink Drive campaign more than 775 people were breathalysed by City of London police officers. Across England and Wales, a total of more than 120,000 motorists were tested.

The annual event, part of an ongoing national policing effort to tackle irresponsible drivers, was organised by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) from June 1 to June 30.

Mick Giannasi, ACPO lead for roads policing and Chief Constable of Gwent Police, said:
"This concerted effort has resulted in a 32 per cent increase in the number of people breathalysed this year compared with the same period last year.

"Of those stopped, 5.79 per cent tested positive or refused a test. While this was a percentage reduction, it is still worrying that there are thousands of drivers on our roads who fall into this category."

City of London Police Insp Matt Mountford, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: "This was a very successful campaign. Not only were 23 people found to be over legal limit, but the high visibility of the operation will have deterred other drivers who may have considered breaking the law."

More than 2000 people in the UK were either killed or seriously injured in drink drive or drug-related road incidents over the last year.