50 motorists were arrested across the county for drink driving last month by Hertfordshire’s local policing teams, as part of a campaign that was led by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing unit (RPU).
In total, local officers stopped and breathalysed 164 drivers between December 1 and January 1. Of these, 50 were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving following a positive result.
In addition, 326 drivers were stopped by tri-force RPU officers, who cover Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. Of these, 22 were arrested for a positive result and a further 17 were arrested for refusing to be breathalysed.
Chief Inspector Steve O’Keeffe, Head of the BCH RPU, said: “The campaign is an opportunity for officers to engage with motorists about the dangers of drink driving. While we were pleased to see so many people out enjoying Christmas and New Year responsibly, there clearly remain some motorists who think it is acceptable to drive while under the influence.
“Alcohol impairs your judgement and makes reactions slower, which significantly increases the chance of being involved in a collision. Our advice therefore is to always avoid alcohol if you know you will have to drive.”
Chief Inspector Simon Tabert, who co-ordinates the local activity in support of the tri-force campaigns, said: “Local officers were across the county throughout the month, supporting our road policing officers and making sure that the roads of Hertfordshire were kept safe throughout the festive period.
“Driving under the influence is completely unacceptable, and anyone who decides to get behind the wheel after consuming drink or alcohol is not only endangering themselves, but also the lives of other innocent road users.
“I urge everyone to think about the consequences of drink driving. Remember, our officers can’t be everywhere, but they could be anywhere: please don’t gamble with your life or your future by driving whilst under the influence.”
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