Sixty-nine arrests made in drink-drive crack down (From Cotswold Journal)

Sixty-nine arrests made in drink-drive crack down

4:08pm Wednesday 2nd January 2013 in News By Freya Leng

POLICE in Gloucestershire made 69 arrests for drink-driving during this year’s annual Christmas and New Year crackdown.

Fifty-eight men and 11 women were arrested between December 1, 2012 and January 1, 2013 and including a Cotswold man.

In last year’s campaign 1,636 tests were carried out and 67 arrests were made, a four per cent arrest rate.

Inspector Jason Keates, of the Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “We are currently calculating the number of tests we’ve carried out this year and we believe more were done, which we think will account for the additional arrests.

“We are of course pleased we were able to take these people off the roads before anyone was hurt but are saddened that there were 69 people prepared to risk their lives and the lives of others through driving while under the influence of alcohol.

“Whilst this particular campaign is over our efforts on combating drink driving continue 365 days a year. We conduct breath tests every day, all over the county, so it’s never worth the risk.”

As part of this year’s campaign Gloucestershire Police launched a text-only number the public can use to report suspected drink drivers.

The number 07860 0090 095 can be used all year round.

“Tell us where the car is, its number plate and, if possible, it’s direction of travel and we will do the rest,” added Inspector Keates.

- Michal Dobrowolski, aged 34, of Station Road, Bourton, was arrested at 2.35am on December 26. He was later charged with drink-driving and bailed to appear at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on February 8.