270 caught in drink-driving crackdown (From Keighley News)

270 caught in drink-driving crackdown

11:23am Thursday 17th January 2013 in News

More than 270 motorists failed a breath test or refused to give a sample during West Yorkshire’s Christmas drink-drive crackdown.

The campaign, which ran from December 1 to January 1, also targeted drivers suspected of being under the influence of drugs.

Of the 275 caught, 133 have since been charged, and of those, 39 have already been dealt with by the courts, each receiving a driving ban of at least 12 months.

In the corresponding period last year, 188 drivers failed a breath test or refused to give a sample.

In total, more than 1,800 motorists were stopped on suspicion of drink or drugs driving – about 400 more than in 2011/12.

Chief Inspector Neil Hunter, head of roads policing for West Yorkshire Police, said: “These figures show we are stopping more people than ever on suspicion of driving whilst unfit, whether through drink or drugs.

“The message to motorists who are ignoring our warnings is we are targeting drink or drug driving offenders across West Yorkshire 24 hours a day, seven days a week and not just during the Christmas period. Dealing with drink and drugs driving is a continuing high priority.

“Anyone breaking these laws will not be tolerated, and those caught could face a prison sentence.”