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Festive drink drive figures rise Drink-driving officers suspended
(about 4 hours later)
The number of drink-drivers detected over the Christmas period has increased by 57 on last year, police have said. Two police officers in Northern Ireland have been suspended after being detected drink-driving over the Christmas period.
New figures show that 609 people have been caught since the end of November, compared to 552 over the previous period in 2005. Figures show 609 people were caught since the end of November, compared to 552 in the same period last year.
The figure includes motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.The figure includes motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.
Superintendent Bill Brown said there would be no let up in targeting drink-drivers in Northern Ireland.Superintendent Bill Brown said there would be no let up in targeting drink-drivers in Northern Ireland.
"Although the current publicity campaign has ended, I can assure people that there will be no let up in our determination to catch drink drivers and bring them before the courts," he said."Although the current publicity campaign has ended, I can assure people that there will be no let up in our determination to catch drink drivers and bring them before the courts," he said.
He added: "It is disappointing that during the festive season 609 people decided to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking.He added: "It is disappointing that during the festive season 609 people decided to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking.
"That, of course, means 609 people are now looking into 2007 with the inevitable prospect of losing their licences, and in some cases their livelihoods."That, of course, means 609 people are now looking into 2007 with the inevitable prospect of losing their licences, and in some cases their livelihoods.
"The vast majority of right thinking people realise that drink driving is shameful and unacceptable."The vast majority of right thinking people realise that drink driving is shameful and unacceptable.
"However, there seems to be an irresponsible minority who ignore all advice and warnings.""However, there seems to be an irresponsible minority who ignore all advice and warnings."
The winter campaign is run jointly by the police and the Department of the Environment and is backed by a series of TV, newspaper and cinema advertisements.The winter campaign is run jointly by the police and the Department of the Environment and is backed by a series of TV, newspaper and cinema advertisements.