Drink-driving arrests over Christmas a blow to trade

The number of drink-drivers on the roads over the festive period remained the same as last year, striking a blow to both police and the trade who have been working hard to push the "don't drink and drive" message home.

The percentage of drivers caught drinking and driving remained at eight per cent, the same figure as last year. However, there were fewer accidents caused by drink-drivers, according to national figures released this week by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Richard Brunstrom, chief constable of North Wales Police, said: "While I consider that this year's campaign has been a resounding success in terms of death and injury reduction, drinking and driving is still commonplace."

Police figures from the West Midlands show a substantial increase in the number of people caught drinking and driving with more than 400 arrested between mid-December and New Year - a 70 per cent increase on the same period last year.

The rise came despite an aggressive anti-drink-drive campaign and proves a persistent group of hardcore offenders remains.

It is hoped the figures will not prompt the government to re-introduce plans to cut the drink-drive limit.

In 1999, a campaign by The Publican prompted 7,000 licensees and their customers to sign a petition against a proposal to reduce the limit from 80mgs of alcohol in 100ml of blood to 50mgs.

A spokesman for ACPO said: "As far as I'm aware there are no plans to cut the drink-drive limit. We're certainly not pushing for it."

Executive director of the RAC Foundation Edmund King said: "I am disappointed with the figures.

"We need to see better targeting of the hardcore of drivers who persistently ignore warnings."