Drink-drive festive fall

A POLICE campaign to target drink drivers over the festive season saw 15,000 drivers tested and 452 people arrested.

There were 40 arrests in Oldham — the fifth highest in Greater Manchester — compared with 23 in Rochdale and 22 in Tameside.

Police also carried out tests on 193 motorists for driving under the influence of drugs which led to 27 arrests between December 1 and 31.

People were also encouraged to contact Crimestoppers to ‘shop’ drink drivers and this led to 15 people calling with actionable information.

There has been a 0.19 per cent decrease in positive breath tests over the last year and a 2.17 per cent decrease over the past five years.

Chief Inspector Andrew Holmes said: “Over the last five years we have seen a gradual reduction in the percentage of people testing positive for alcohol over the Christmas period. We have supported the Casualty Reduction Partnership to get the message out there and I hope this means that it is getting through.

“It is important to remember that drink driving kills and injures people all through the year, not just Christmas. If you know someone who drink drives regularly report them to the police or call Crimestoppers anonymously.”