Drink drivers caught in force-wide crackdown (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Drink drivers caught in force-wide crackdown

6:16pm Thursday 21st December 2006 in Chard By Joanna Glover

POLICE have arrested nearly 60 people in the Somerset area as part of their Relentless on Drink Driving campaign.

Acting Ch Insp Martin King is in charge of this year's operation and says the success of the scheme shows the force is relentless in their efforts to remove reckless drivers from the roads.

He said: "We are now in the peak party period and these figures, sadly, show that people are continuing to selfishly put their own and other peoples' lives at risk by drinking and driving.

"Remember, you don't know where, you don't know when - we have both marked and unmarked cars in known hotspots.

"It's just now worth the risk. If you are planning a night out, then think about how you will be getting home."

Thanks to people naming and shaming drink drivers to Crimestoppers, police are actively targeting 38 people in the force area.

Acting Ch Insp King said: "I would urge people to continue to help us - if you know someone that you suspect of regularly drinking and driving or believe someone is going to drive after drinking too much, pick up the phone and call.

"Don't be left asking yourself why you didn't do something which could have prevented someone being killed or seriously injured."

Anyone with such information is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.

You do not have to give your name and could receive a reward of up to £100.