More drinkers getting behind the wheel

According to figures obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, 1,000 people were arrested for being behind the wheel while over the limit in 2011, up slightly from 977 in 2010.

Of those arrests, 706 were detained for failing a breath test, with a further 134 deemed unfit to drive because of drink or drug use.

A further 29 were held after refusing to take a breath test.

Of the 1,000 arrests, 82 were under arrested between 5am and 12 noon.

A Bedfordshire Police spokesperson said: “It’s disappointing to see people putting themselves and others at risk by drinking and taking drugs.

“While people continue to flout the law, our message to them is, Bedfordshire Police will continue our work to combat this dangerous crime throughout the year.”

The 2011 Christmas proactive drink drive crackdown saw an increase in the number of tests conducted in the ‘under 25s’ age group (up to 154 from 126).

However the number of positive tests reduced to 11 from 13.

The spokesperson continued: “The Christmas figures should be seen as a notable success as this age group has been identified nationally as the key target in relation to drink drive offences.

“Drink driving is an issue that the force, including Road Policing Officers, Neighbourhood Teams and our Operation Sentinel ANPR Intercept Unit will continue to tackle on a daily basis all across the county.

“There’s no excuse for drink driving. If you do go out for a drink, never try to calculate whether you’re under the legal limit. “Arrange a safe way to get home, such as a lift from a trusted friend who hasn’t been drinking, or use a registered taxi.”