The Isle of Man Constabulary has concluded its Anti-Drink Drive Campaign for 2018.
The Campaign, which takes place across the festive period, saw 349 vehicles stopped around the Island as a direct result of the operation throughout December.
Consequently, 23 arrests were made, which resulted in 8 drivers being charged in Court. 11 were bailed pending further enquiries and a further 4 were released without charge.
Bill Malarkey MHK, Minister for Home Affairs, said:
‘Everyone knows the risks and dangers of drink driving. It’s extremely disappointing to see that there are still some people who make the decision to do it, putting the lives of themselves and others at incredible risk. I’d like to praise this year’s Officers for their hard work across the festive period and ensuring that our roads are safe.’
Roads Policing Officers were deployed around the island throughout the month with extra attention being placed on the roads at weekends and into the early hours of the morning. Officers breathalysed 38 drivers. 59 vehicles were also found to be defective and the drivers were issued with defect rectification forms during the period.
During the 2017 Anti-Drink Drive Campaign, 14 arrests were made across the same time period.
Sergeant Jamie Tomlinson of the Roads Policing Unit, said:
‘It’s clear that the 2018 Drink Drive Campaign has been effective with an increase in arrests made from previous years. This is due to more Officers being pro-actively dedicated to the Anti-Drink Drive Operation in both marked and unmarked Police vehicles. Whilst on patrols, Officers were also able to target unroadworthy vehicles in order to ensure safety on our roads.
‘We’d like to thank the Department of Infrastructure for their support with the matrix signs this year, which saw drink drive warnings placed in key locations around the island. We also used social media to remind the public that drink driving will not be tolerated and we are commitment to identifying and prosecuting those who offend. Unfortunately, it is apparent that drivers of all ages are not heeding our warnings and are still willing to take the risk.
‘The Constabulary remains committed to tackling drink driving all year round.’
