County cops in TV drink-drive showcase (From Basingstoke Gazette)

County cops in TV drink-drive showcase

11:49am Monday 3rd December 2007 in Local By Vicky O'Hare

TRAFFIC officers from Hampshire Constabulary will be showcasing their tough stance on tackling boozy drivers in a television programme tonight.

The channel Five series Street Crime Live is focusing on young drivers and features items on drink and drug driving.

It highlights how officers from the force's roads policing unit (RPU) are continuing to target those individuals who get behind the wheel while impaired through drink and drugs.

Hampshire Constabulary began its seasonal enforcement campaign on Friday, November 30, with additional patrols taking place across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight throughout December and into the New Year.

The force's drink and drug-drive campaign coincides with the national Think! Road Safety drink-drive initiative which aims to educate all drivers, particularly men aged 17 to 29, about the risks.

During last year's Christmas drink-drive campaign, 5,916 drivers were breathalysed across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

A total of 374 of those people were arrested after providing positive breath tests or refusing to be tested.

Of the 88 people who were also asked to undergo field-impairment tests after being stopped on suspicion of drug driving, 16 people failed.

Inspector Darren Miller of the force's RPU said: "Christmas and New Year is a time for parties and socialising, but there is a serious side."

He added: "Be sensible, be safe and arrange a lift home or appoint a designated driver."

Anyone stopped by police for drink or drug driving could face a minimum one-year driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000 and six months in jail.