100 drink-drive arrests in month-long summer campaign

A month-long crackdown on drink-drivers across Cleveland, County Durham and Darlington saw more than 100 motorists being arrested.

The national campaign targeting those who get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs was launched on June 1st.

New national figures show more than 60,000 roadside breath tests were carried out during the month, resulting in over 5,000 arrests being made.

In the Durham and Cleveland force areas a total of 419 tests resulted in 102 arrests; the high percentage almost certainly due to the vast majority of tests being conducted following a road collision or where the police had cause to believe the driver was unfit through alcohol or drugs.

Insp Wendy Tinkler, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit said: “People cannot pretend they are unaware of the dangers posed by driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

“This campaign was well-publicised and reinforced with messages on social media, both locally and nationally.

“While it is still disappointing we found more than 100 drivers willing to risk their safety and the lives of others, it demonstrates our efforts in targeting this issue paid off.

“The road policing crews in the CDSOU are on the alert all year round keeping our roads safe.

“I urge everyone planning to go out and enjoy themselves to never, ever drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is simply not worth the risk.”