Rates of drink driving incidents have dropped dramatically across the Three Rivers area, which can also boast of having the lowest number of incidents in Southern Hertfordshire.
Of the 1,119 incidents recorded by Hertfordshire Constabulary since 2017, only 152 of them were found to be in the Three Rivers area, with no events being recorded in 2021 and a record low of only 13 incidents in 2020.
Dacorum District has the highest number of incidents, with 293 being recorded since 2017. However, only two incidents were recorded last year, reflecting a general decline over the years.
The COVID-19 pandemic definitely seems to have had a major effect on incidents. In 2019, 243 incidents of drink driving were recorded across all of Hertfordshire. In 2020, where many people had to stay at home and most drinking establishments were closed through large portions of the year, the total of incidents was only 62.
Of those 1,119 incidents, 891 incidents resulted in a charge for drink driving, or a charge for an alternate offence, leaving only 288 incidents occurring without charges being brought.
Chief Inspector Graeme Walsingham said: “It’s likely that the significant drop in numbers of drink driving incidents between 2020 and 2021 is due to the COVID-19 restrictions that were in place.
“If you are planning on going out this summer, please plan ahead to make sure you get home safely. Even if you’re only planning on having one drink, it’s a safer option to book a taxi in advance or designated a non-drinking driver.
“It is also important to ensure you are not over the limit the next day as this can still impair your ability to drive.
“If you do choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is clear you have no regard for the safety of yourself or those around you. Drink or drug driving will not be tolerated in Hertfordshire, and anyone found driving under the influence will face the full force of the law in the form of arrest and prosecution.”
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