LISBURN police will be cracking down on drink drivers this Christmas as part of their annual drink drive campaign.

Local Officers have been deployed the latest electronic breath testing devices that records and stores information on a central computer system.

To catch drink drivers they will also take part in a series of robust operations with specialist Tactical Support Groups and officers from Road Policing Command Units that will run a series of operations throughout the day and night, in the weeks leading up to Christmas and into the New Year.

Last year 629 people were arrested throughout Northern Ireland for drink driving with 3,800 detected for drink driving so far this

Chief Inspector David Moore, Lisburn Area Commander said the figures were disgraceful and urged drivers to act responsibily. "Sadly, police officers regularly witness the results of drinking and driving," he said.

"It kills, maims, wrecks families and communities, so I am appealing for all motorists to consider the consequences of their actions

"Think about the consequences to yourself and your family of being involved in a serious collision.

"How would you feel if your selfish actions resulted in you or one of your family being paralysed? How would you feel if some innocent person was killed?"

Chief Inspector Moore continued: "I do not want officers knocking on doors at any time of the year, but especially over Christmas and the New Year, to tell families that a loved one has been killed on the roads.

Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn, Chair of the Lisburn City Council Road Safety Committee added: "Drink driving is death driving. Thanks to the pro-active approach of the PSNI, culprits will not get away with it.

"The culture in Northern Ireland is changing and people know the carnage drink driving causes, but I am pleased to see another strong police operation to combat this issue.'

Ulster Star
12/12/2008