Drink driving arrests over Christmas reach three-year high

Police forces are hailing the vigilance of offers tackling drink driving, as the number of failed breath tests for December reached its highest level in three years.

Overall, a total of over 133,000 motorists were stopped and breathalysed across the UK in December 2014, with 4.39% of those testing positive for illegal levels of alcohol, the highest number since 2011 when it stood at 4.55 per cent.

The number represents an increase from December 2013’s figure of 3.42%, despite the fact that some 60,000 fewer breath tests were carried out last year.

Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, the national roads policing spokeswoman, said the rise to 4.39 per cent of all tests was down to a more "intelligence-led" approach by officers.

Chief Constable Davenport said; “The use of an intelligence-led approach by officers may give the impression, through our figures, of members of the public not taking seriously the consequences of driving under the influence.

“Our message is very simple and very clear – you are breaking the law, you are risking your life and the lives of those around you and the consequences of doing so will plague you for the rest of your life."

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