NORTH Yorkshire Police has recently taken part in a European-wide crackdown on drink-driving – resulting in nine positive tests across the county.

The week-long campaign was part of TISPOL’s European-wide drink driving campaign. The operation coincided with the first full week of North Yorkshire Police’s Summer Drink Drive campaign and formed part of the force’s current road safety initiative, Operation Anvil.

TISPOL is the European Traffic Police Network, of which North Yorkshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable, Adam Briggs is the current President.

Officers breathalysed 315 motorists, which resulted in 9 positive breath-tests; a failure rate of 2.85%.

Chief Superintendent Sue Cross, Head of the force’s Operations Directorate and Operation Anvil lead said: “This is encouraging and suggests that the message is getting through that drinking and driving is both socially and morally unacceptable. However, it is still 9 too many.

“The risks are simply not worth it; the personal cost could mean the loss of your licence, a very heavy fine and the possible loss of your livelihood. A drink-drive conviction remains on your licence for 11 years. This could severely affect your chances of obtaining future employment. Compared to the cost of a taxi, it is a huge price to pay.

“With warm weather, lots of summer events and the European Football championships, we urge people to not mix alcohol and driving. Don’t give in to the temptation to drink and drive, stop and think about the risks.

“My officers will be patrolling the county 24/7 and will come down hard on law-breakers. There will be no hiding place for those who choose to put lives in danger.”

North Yorkshire’s campaign will continue throughout the summer, focusing on events where alcohol is a regular feature, such as barbeques, sporting events and festivals.