Police step up war on drink drivers

POLICE in Warrington are stepping up the war on drink drivers over the Christmas period.
Their winter drive against drink drivers has been running since the start of December – and it is carrying on throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
A police spokesperson said: “During the festive period, going out for Christmas lunches with work colleagues, or having nights out are the norm. Many people over indulge on the festive spirits, wines and beers. But how many take the risk and drive home after drinking alcohol?”
Officers across the county have been breathalysing those drivers they believe to be under the influence of alcohol.
The Constabulary have also been highlighting the dangers and consequences of drink driving by showcasing the “Think” Car all around the county.
The car was donated to the emergency services by the family of a 21-year-old man, who died in a crash when he was one and-a-half times above the legal alcohol limit, but had not been speeding – the impact speed of the vehicle was 43mph in a 60mph speed limit.
Margaret Ollerenshaw (pictured) leads on road safety on behalf of the Police Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer.
Her remit is to scrutinise the Constabulary on roads policing matters and on Friday evening she accompanied roads policing officers as they continued the campaign to tackle drink driving.
She said: “I saw people stopped for infringing traffic regulations, who were subsequently breathalysed. Those I witnessed were found to be alcohol free and heeding all the messages about not drinking and driving.
“However, over the county, others were not so law abiding and will be facing not only having their driving licence removed, and a fine from the magistrates, but also the on-going consequences of being unable to drive. For example, they’d have to find alternate ways to travel to get to work, go to the shops, pick children up from school etc. Was the drink really worth all that inconvenience? I don’t think so.”