Isle of Wight drivers appear to be taking notice of the law, after the amount of motorists arrested for drink drive offences during the festive period fell by 56 per cent across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

A month-long drink and drug drive enforcement initiative ran from November 30th 2007, in which the police made use of Bluetooth technology.

With designated operations led by the force’s Roads Policing Unit (RPU) anti-drink and drug drive text messages were sent out to around 600 revellers in Newport town centre on the Isle of Wight.

Throughout December, 5,564 breath tests were carried out by Roads Policing Unit and local officers, with 163 people arrested after failing a breath test, or refusing to provide a sample of breath.  This compares with the 2006/7 campaign, when 5,916 breath tests were conducted, and 374 people were arrested – a drop of 56 per cent.

As part of the clampdown on drug driving, 57 Field Impairment Tests (FIT) were also carried out, resulting in 12 arrests. 

Adverts went out on local radio stations issuing clear advice to motorists, and RPU officers also appeared at Christmas drink drive roadshows.

Inspector Peter Hughes of the Roads Policing Unit, said:

“There has been a significant fall in the numbers of people arrested for drink driving during the festive period, and we are hopeful that motorists across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are taking notice of the dangers.

“We cannot be complacent, and would still like our arrest rate to be lower, but I am pleased that more motorists appear to have listened to advice and left the car at home when out enjoying themselves.”

Hampshire Constabulary focuses on reducing drink and drug driving all year round in a bid to make our roads safer.

This is done via ongoing education and enforcement initiatives. The constabulary’s message is clear. Do not get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.

Isle of Wight Community News @Island Pulse.