MORE than 200 people were arrested over the festive season after failing roadside breath tests in Sussex.
Over a seven week period from mid-November to the new year, 5984 drivers were breath tested with 225 being arrested as a result. Of these, 28 had been involved in collisions.
The Sussex campaign was run over a slightly longer period than the previ
ous year, so direct comparisons are not possible, but compared with the same seven weeks in 2008/09, there was a slight rise in both numbers tested and arrested.
Proportionately, the arrest/failure rate (3.6%) was broadly similar, but more were tested and arrested before a collision and fewer after.
Ch Insp Di Roskilly from Sussex Police's Road Policing Unit is generally happy with the results.
"While it is still disappointing that some people think it is acceptable to take the risk of drinking and driving, we are pleased that a significant proportion have been removed from the roads and that the majority were stopped before they had the chance to get involved in a collision," she said.
"It is gratifying that there is wide public support for the campaign. Despite the fact that they were stopped, a lot of people expressed their appreciation and we also received a considerable amount of information that enabled us to take action against offenders.
"Although the Christmas campaign has now ended, we're as active as ever, as those who flout the law present a very high risk to other road users.
"Since January 3 (to January 27) we have arrested 49 drink/drug drivers and I would encourage anyone who has information about anybody who is offending to contact us so that we can intervene and perhaps prevent a tragedy. You can do this through the Operation Crackdown website - www.operationcrackdown.org - or if the offence is taking place immediately, dial 999."
Neil Hopkins, communications manager for the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP) said: "50,000 of our 'The Worst Christmas Gift' anti-drink and drug-driving campaign Christmas cards were distributed across Sussex during the festive season.
"Our campaign alongside the enforcement was highly distinctive and visible. It could also be heard in local radio ads, seen on banners at numerous sites, in local publications, websites and on the back of buses."
He added: "We recently launched our latest road safety campaign for Sussex - Embrace Life. A positive, child-friendly seat belt advert, which has been designed to be viewed at schools, colleges, Sussex shows and events as well as in cinemas, online and also possibly on TV. The advert was written and directed by Burgess Hill based award-winning film maker Daniel Cox and can be seen by going to SSRP's website, www.SussexSaferRoads.gov.uk. It will be used alongside Sussex Police's enforcement of non-seat belt wearing in the coming weeks."
