250 drink drive arrests this year

8:49am Wednesday 15th August 2007

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Since January, 250 drink drivers have been arrested in Pembrokeshire, police have revealed.

Officers are currently carrying out roadside breath tests as part of a summer drink drive campaign, and are appealing to people to discourage drinkers from getting behind the wheel.

Inspector Nigel Hayes, of the roads policing unit, said: "It is disappointing that we still continue to have a considerable number of people arrested for providing a positive road side breath test.

"A number of people have provided breath test readings in excess of three to four times over the legal limit.

"To be three times over the legal drink drive limit you would have to have consumed a considerable amount of alcohol.

"To then get behind the wheel of a car demonstrates a total disregard for not just road users, but all members of the public.

"For you as a driver in these circumstances to consider that you are safe to be behind the wheel of a vehicle is stupid and reckless.

"Some of these people have no doubt been consuming alcohol in the company of other people and it begs the question, are others playing a responsible part in actively discouraging them driving or calling the police before they get behind the wheel?

"There needs to be a more responsible approach by the community as a whole.

"People will probably be increasing their social activities in the summer with barbecues and other events but the message is simple - if you have been drinking don't drive."

Twenty per cent of the drink drivers arrested were aged under 25.

However, under-25s only make up eight per cent of the driving population.