Drink drive arrests in Hampshire up 9.1 per cent

Drink drive figures for Christmas and New Year described as "extremely disappointing"

THE number of people arrested for drink/driving in Hamsphire over the festive period increased by 9.1 per cent on last year.

From December 1 to January 1, 240 people were arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.

Of those arrested, 176 (73.3 per cent) have been charged, with 35 (14.6 per cent) bailed pending further enquiries and 29 (12.1 per cent) having no further action taken against them.

By area, north and east Hampshire had the highest number of arrests with 68 (28.33 per cent), followed by central Hampshire with 50 arrests (20.83 per cent).

Chief Constable, Alex Marshall, said the figures were “extremely disappointing', despite a last minute drop in drink-drive arrests on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Of those stopped over the two days, 21 motorists were arrested on suspicion of drink, or drug driving – down nine arrests on last year. Of the 21 arrested, 17 were charged – seven fewer than last year.

“This may be an improvement on last year, but 21 arrests for drink-driving is still 21 too many,” said Mr Marshall.

This year, two of my officers shared their experiences at the scene of a fatal drink-drive collision and a convicted driver warned others of how that 'one for the road' can turn your life upside down.

I am at a loss as to how with this information, people are still ignorant enough – or arrogant enough – to get behind the wheel after drinking.”

Hampshire Constabulary has arrested 197 men and 43 women on suspicion of drink driving – an 82.1 to 17.9 per cent split respectively.

The 20 to 24 year age group had the higher number of arrests with 55 (22.9 per cent of the total). The 17 to 19 year age group had the least amount of arrests, with 12 (five per cent) followed by the over 60s with 16 (6.67 per cent).

The Isle of Wight had the lowest number of arrests with 16 (6.67 per cent) followed by Portsmouth with 28 (11.67 per cent). Southampton had 37 arrests (15.42 per cent) and western Hampshire, including Test Valley, Eastleigh and New Forest area, 40 (16.67 per cent).