Substantial hike in drink-drivers over Christmas

Throughout December, 299 drivers were arrested for breaking the legal drink-drive limit in the Thames Valley

THE number of people caught drink-driving in the Thames Valley over the recent Christmas and New Year period has shot up by 15 per cent this year.

Thames Valley Police force has revealed that between December 1 last year and January 1, 299 drivers were arrested for driving after exceeding the legal drink-drive limit, compared to 261 in the same period in 2010/11.

A total of 120 people were arrested in Berkshire, 102 in Buckinghamshie and 77 Oxfordshire.

Of those arrested, 82 per cent were men and 18 per cent were women. There has been a 57 per cent increase in the number of woman caught drink driving this year - there were 55 arrested this year compared to 35 in the previous year.

The number of men caught drink-driving has increased eight per cent from 226 last Christmas to 244 this year.

Superintendent Chris Brown, head of Roads Policing, said: “It is disappointing to see a rise in the number of people who are still not prepared to accept the dangers posed by drink driving.

"A police officer has the power to stop any vehicle and once a police officer suspects the driver has been drinking, he will test the driver.

"Although Operation Tipple finished on 1 January, we will continue to pursue those who choose to drink and drive and put other road users at risk. Clearly the message is that if you drink and drive you can expect to get caught and receive a driving ban. The message is simple - If you've been drinking, don't drive. It's not worth the risk.”

The highest recorded reading was 138mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, from a 37-year-old man from Banbury. The legal limit is 35mg in 100ml of breath.

He was charged with the offence and appeared before Banbury Magistrates' Court on Friday, January 20.