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Arrest and charge tally from festive anti drink-drive campaign

Wednesday, 17 January 2018

Police officers made 14 arrests relating to drink-driving in December 2017 during the force’s seasonal clampdown on drink-driving named Operation Red Christmas.

Arrest and charge tally from festive anti drink-drive campaign

Nine people have been charged and will be dealt with by the courts, two of those arrested have been granted police bail pending further investigations, and no further action will be taken in the other three cases. 

Roads Policing Unit patrols were deployed around the Island throughout the month, with an extended presence at a number of locations during weekends. A small percentage of those stopped were breathalysed.

In December 2016, seven people were arrested for drink-driving, and five were charged.

Minister for Home Affairs Bill Malarkey MHK said:

‘It was pleasing to see high visibility police patrols around the Island during our festive campaign, and I was encouraged at the positive engagement our officers had with the vast majority of motorists.’

He added:

‘The resources we allocated to roads policing provided both a warning and a reassurance to motorists that drink-driving is totally unacceptable.

‘Campaigns such as this promote a crystal clear message from the Constabulary: if you choose to drive under the influence of alcohol you are likely to be caught.’

This year’s campaign focused on educating road users, and police officers used their contact with motorists to offer advice and distribute leaflets containing key safety messages.

Sergeant Jamie Tomlinson said:

‘The Constabulary’s 2017 campaign was positively accepted by the Manx public. Hundreds of motorists were stopped and many appreciated speaking to officers whilst on their journeys.

He added:

‘This year’s figures are higher than the same period in 2016, but officers engaged with many more motorists.  It’s disappointing that some still take the risk of being caught. The Constabulary is committed to tackling drink driving all year round.’  

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