DERBYSHIRE: A fifth of motorists are caught by cops’ drink–drive crackdown

The campaign ran between December 1 and 31, during which time officers conducted breath tests on drivers across the county to reduce the number of people driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Officers administered 391 breath tests and of those, 79 people (almost 20 per cent) gave a positive test, the driver refused to take the test or the driver failed to provide a sample.

During the 2011 campaign, officers conducted 895 tests and of those 104 people (11 per cent) gave a positive test, the driver refused to take the test or the driver failed to provide a sample.

The force worked with Crimestoppers who offered a reward of up to £1,000 to anyone who called the charity to report a drink-driver if the information lead to an arrest and charge.

During this year’s campaign 27 people rang Crimestoppers to report a drink-driver anonymously.

Chief Inspector Steve Wilson, head of Roads Policing, said: “The campaign this year was intelligence led and we carried out targeted breath testing where we had information to suspect drink-driving. This led to a higher percentage of motorists giving a positive test, refusing or failing to provide despite us carrying out fewer tests.

“The results demonstrate the worth of community information in helping us to target specific individuals posing a risk to other road users without inconveniencing law abiding motorists.

“We continue to work with Crimestoppers to dissuade people from drink-driving by letting them know that anyone could report them; even a friend or relative.”

Officers stopped a Fiat Punto on Cotmanhay Road, Ilkeston at 2am on December 7 and breathalysed the driver. An 18-year-old man gave a positive breath test and was later charged with drink-driving.

At 9.30am on December 5, police were called to a collision involving two cars on Vale House Drive in Hadfield. The driver of one of the cars, a 46-year-old man, gave a positive breath test and was arrested and later charged.