Police make roads no-go areas for drink drivers

Operation Dice launched earlier this year in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Latest figures from Greater Manchester Police’s summer drink drive clampdown show that they are breath testing more drivers than they were during last year’s operation and that more drivers are being caught over the limit.

Officers have breath tested 2,154 drivers in the first 10 days of this year’s operation, 20 per cent more than last year with140 of these being arrested for drink driving.

Last year’s month-long clampdown in June saw officers testing almost 5,500 drivers with 311 being arrested for drink driving.

Though officers are aware that the Jubilee weekend and the start of Euro 2012 may have affected these figures they are keen to curb further drink driving and warn that their high profile operation will continue over the summer.

This policing focus on drink driving is a part of Operation Dice launched earlier this year in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester. This was an increase of 42 per cent on the previous year and reversed a long term downward trend in road deaths.

Under Operation Dice Greater Manchester Police is working to increase public awareness of the ‘fatal four’ factors that feature in most road accidents ie drink driving, speeding, drivers using mobile phones and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

It also tackles drivers putting their own lives and that of their passengers and road users at risk through dangerous driving and flouting road safety laws.

Chief Inspector Rachel Buckle from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said: “Though being caught drink driving or driving dangerously can lead to fines, penalty points, disqualification and up to 14 years imprisonment for causing a death the real cost is the horrific injuries and deaths these thoughtless actions can lead to.

“I would urge anyone thinking of getting behind the wheel after a drink to think again. Drink driving can result in lost lives and bring devastation to the existence of family and friends left behind. It can also physically and emotionally scar the thoughtless drivers responsible for these deaths.

“The increase in road fatalities in 2011 is of real concern to all GMP officers and we are committed to making the roads safer for all users in the coming years.

“We will be scouring the roads of Greater Manchester for drink and dangerous drivers over the summer months to stop them putting their own lives and those of other road users at risk.

“Our message is simple and clear – if you have a drink, for everyone’s sake please don’t drive.”