Drink-drive offenders caught in target trap

MORE motorists were caught drink-driving over Christmas after police targeted habitual offenders.

Humberside Police did around half the number of roadside tests as last year, preferring to take an "intelligence-led" approach instead.

In the two-month period ending on New Year's Day, 176 drivers were caught drinking and driving in Hull and East Yorkshire, compared to 134 the previous year.

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The increase in the figures reflect changing police tactics, including asking the public to "dob in" drivers suspected of driving under the influence.

Around one in 15 of under-25s who were stopped either failed or refused a test, prompting particular concern. Police said young men were more likely to take risks than women.

Despite the increases numbers overall in East Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire were still below the national average.

Chief Inspector Darren Downs, head of Humberside Police Roads Policing said: "Whilst these low numbers of offenders is encouraging, we cannot be complacent and Humberside Police will continue to positively enforce all drink/drug drive laws positively all year round.

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"That said, the motorists of the Humberside region should be commended for the largely responsible attitude shown towards drink driving this year. We hope that the combination of targeted intelligence-led enforcement, education and awareness raising will keep these figures in the downward trajectory."

Of the 6,388 roadside tests, just 223, or 3.7 per cent, either proved positive or refused to give a test, less than the national average of over four per cent.

In the East Riding 2,135 people were stopped during the campaign which ended on New Year's Day.

Of them 77 were positive or refused to take the test. In Hull, there were 79 positive or non-takers out of 1,487 tests.