20 arrested on suspicion of drink driving over Christmas

Monday 12 February 2018

Almost 600 drivers were stopped by Guernsey Police during road checks as part of the annual Christmas drink-drive campaign.

Of that total, 59 people were asked to perform a roadside breath test, with just three then arrested on suspicion of drink-driving as a result.

A further 17 drivers were arrested during normal police routine checks under suspicion of drink-driving during the course of the six week campaign. 

Those drivers came under officers’ suspicion due to either "proactive policing" or tip offs from a member of the public.

14 drivers were subsequently charged with drink driving - 12 in Guernsey and two in Alderney.

Roads Policing Inspector Karl Zierlinger said while targeted campaigns like this brought the issue into focus, drink driving was always a priority for the Police:

"Despite the fact that we highlight the drink drive campaign and the obvious dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, 14 people still risked their lives and the lives of others during the Christmas period," he said.

"Our commitment to target drivers affected by drink will continue, with stop-checks being carried out throughout the year. We regularly receive calls from members of the public to report concerns that a driver may be over the limit, and that highlights how many people feel that the crime is totally unacceptable. It is heartening to see that officers receive very positive reactions from drivers that are spoken to."

Andrea Nightingale, the Drug & Alcohol Strategy Coordinator, said: "The intention of the drink drive campaign at the start of the Christmas period is to remind our community to find alternative ways of transport to and from their festivities. It can be far too tempting to drive if the vehicle is within easy reach.

"We know that everyone reacts to alcohol differently, the same amount of alcohol can influence an individual’s behaviour in comparison to another and we hope the “Russian Roulette” theme highlighted this. However there are still individuals that are willing to risk their lives by driving under the influence with 33 of the 76 offenders caught during 2017 being at least 2.5 times over the limit. We will continue our message for as long as it takes to make our roads as safe as possible.”

A full interview with Inspector Zierlinger is coming later today.