Drink drive result shock

FORTY-FIVE motorists were arrested in Huntingdonshire and Fenland between the run-up to Christmas and the New Year holiday for drink-driving. Another was taken into custody for driving under the influence of drugs.Across Cambridgeshire, almost 200 drivers were arrested for drink or drugs related motoring offences - with an increase of almost one-third over the campaign period the previous year. For the year as a whole the number of drink drivers rose by 20 per cent in the county in 2005 with 1,692 people arrested, compared to 1,416 during 2004.The police were disappointed by the rise in offences. Casualty reduction officer, Pc Mick McCready, said: "It proves that there are still a number of drivers who think it is acceptable to drive under the influence."Each time a driver sits behind the wheel of a car and drives while under the influence of drink or drugs they are not only putting their lives at risk but also the lives of other road users."The maximum penalty for drink driving is a six month prison sentence, £5,000 fine and a driving ban of at least 12 months - is drink driving really worth this risk."The campaign saw stop checks across the county with officers carrying out breath tests and field impairment tests to check whether drivers were under the influence of drugs.Last year's campaign, which ran between December 18, 2004, and January 1, 2005 saw 72 people arrested for positive breath tests or failing to supply samples. During the same period in 2005/06 a total of 95 people were arrested, a 32 per cent increase.Pc McCready added: "The number of people who are caught driving under the influence is increasing every year."Cambridgeshire Constabulary is committed to reducing the number of drink drivers and we will do all we can to ensure that those over the limit or under the influence of drugs are caught and dealt with appropriately."- Final road casualty figures for Cambridgeshire are expected to be released soon.