Festive drink driving down

Drink driving over the Christmas period was down in Greater Manchester this year according to results published by police today (Wednesday 21 January).

GMP breath tested nearly 15,500 people over the festive period, an 82% increase on last year, and the percentage that failed the test has fallen from 4.2% to 3.2%.

Chief Inspector Hayden Roberts, lead officer on this year's campaign said: "Our results show that the percentage of drink drivers has fallen when compared to last year, which is testament to the success of our anti-drink drive message."

The number of people arrested for positive breath tests increased by 39%.

"What all this tells us is that, yes, the total number of people arrested has risen due to our Christmas crackdown, but the percentage who tested positive has actually gone down," continued Chief Insp Roberts.

"Therefore it's clear that the message is now getting through - it is totally unacceptable to drink and drive.

"I find it astonishing that there are still people out there that show a complete disregard for the law and the safety of others by drink or drug driving. I would like to assure people that this crackdown is not just a one off, we will be running targeted operations all year round and are determined to rid our roads of these irresponsible drivers."