Inspector Dave Brown, Head of
Strategic Roads Policing, North
Yorkshire Police

Thirty five people were arrested for drink-driving in North Yorkshire during the Association of Chief Police Officers’ month-long Summer Drink Drive Campaign.

Running throughout June, the effort was part of a national campaign to target irresponsible and dangerous motorists.

It also tied in with the force’s own ongoing road safety campaign Operation Anvil, which is supported by the multi-agency “95 Alive” York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership.

In total 1,018 drivers were breathalysed in the county during the 30 day period, with 35 people found to be over the prescribed limit for alcohol. That’s a fail rate of 3.4%.

The number of breath tests carried out nationally was 91,848, of which 6,971 proved positive - a fail rate of 7.5%.

Inspector Dave Brown, North Yorkshire Police’s Head of Strategic Roads Policing, said: “Even though our figures are well below the national average, it is still very disappointing that a minority of people continue to risk their own and other people’s lives by drinking and driving.

“We simply will not tolerate this type of behaviour, it is not acceptable and I am sure the majority of the general public share our concerns. We will do everything in our power to remove these offenders from our roads and would seek the co-operation of law abiding citizens to help us in this aim by reporting any such behaviour to us. It may help to save a life.”

Insp Brown emphasised the role of education in getting the clear message across that drinking and driving kills.

He said: “Through the work of the 95 Alive Partnership, we will continue to emphasise key safety advice through high-profile events and activities which provide a strong focus on drink-driving.

In short, there is absolutely no excuse to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol

Dave Brown - North Yorkshire Police

“These include drink-drive road shows held at local supermarkets and our designated driver scheme ‘I’ll Be Des’, which encourages people to nominate a non-drinking driver for a particular party, night out or, if the weather does eventually change, a summer barbecue."

“In short, there is absolutely no excuse to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol.”