Wirral Drink and Drug-Drive Crackdown - 19th Dec 2010 4:16pm
Wirral drivers caught in drink and drug-drive crackdown
WIRRAL drivers are the worst on Merseyside for drink- and drug-driving so far during the festive period, according to latest figures.
Police have arrested 23 motorists in the borough since the start of the force's Christmas crackdown on December 1.
From that figure, 16 were charged and two were bailed.
But Knowsley has so far seen the lowest statistic with just three arrests for getting behind the wheel after a drink.
Since the launch of the campaign, more than 60 drivers have been arrested across Merseyside for driving while over the legal alcohol limit.
The campaign has seen around 3,000 drivers being breathalysed and 38 people being charged with drink driving.
Chief Inspector John Hogan said: "It is disappointing that people are still willing to risk their lives and the lives of others by taking drugs or having a few drinks and then driving.
"There really is no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you are not fully in control of your faculties and by doing so putting others into danger.
"Our message is simple - when you go out to an office party, or with your friends and loved ones, leave your car keys at home. Take public transport, stay over or nominate a non-drinking driver."
The campaign is set to continue until January 1 and police are determined to crack down on drivers breaking any motoring laws to ensure that road-users stay safe.
Chf Insp Hogan added: "We want everyone to have a Christmas that is remembered for all the right reasons and not because of a tragedy.
"We will continue to target anyone perceived to be driving while under the influence of drink or drugs and prosecute them.
"The penalties range from hefty fines to driving bans or even a prison sentence and can result in life changing consequences for the guilty driver - they could lose their job which could lead to the loss of their house.
"Not to mention if someone causes a collision that results in a death or an innocent person being maimed they will have to live with that for the rest of their lives.
"So, our message is clear - think before you drink - a collision or a conviction can ruin multiple lives."
THE GLOBE
WIRRAL drivers are the worst on Merseyside for drink- and drug-driving so far during the festive period, according to latest figures.
Police have arrested 23 motorists in the borough since the start of the force's Christmas crackdown on December 1.
From that figure, 16 were charged and two were bailed.
But Knowsley has so far seen the lowest statistic with just three arrests for getting behind the wheel after a drink.
Since the launch of the campaign, more than 60 drivers have been arrested across Merseyside for driving while over the legal alcohol limit.
The campaign has seen around 3,000 drivers being breathalysed and 38 people being charged with drink driving.
Chief Inspector John Hogan said: "It is disappointing that people are still willing to risk their lives and the lives of others by taking drugs or having a few drinks and then driving.
"There really is no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you are not fully in control of your faculties and by doing so putting others into danger.
"Our message is simple - when you go out to an office party, or with your friends and loved ones, leave your car keys at home. Take public transport, stay over or nominate a non-drinking driver."
The campaign is set to continue until January 1 and police are determined to crack down on drivers breaking any motoring laws to ensure that road-users stay safe.
Chf Insp Hogan added: "We want everyone to have a Christmas that is remembered for all the right reasons and not because of a tragedy.
"We will continue to target anyone perceived to be driving while under the influence of drink or drugs and prosecute them.
"The penalties range from hefty fines to driving bans or even a prison sentence and can result in life changing consequences for the guilty driver - they could lose their job which could lead to the loss of their house.
"Not to mention if someone causes a collision that results in a death or an innocent person being maimed they will have to live with that for the rest of their lives.
"So, our message is clear - think before you drink - a collision or a conviction can ruin multiple lives."
THE GLOBE