More than 80 Nottinghamshire drivers – including one who was allegedly found to be four times over the alcohol limit – have been charged with drink or drug driving offences over the festive period. Nottinghamshire Police said they carried out roadside tests on 168 people over Christmas and New Year, leading to 84 charges.
The highest alcohol reading was allegedly recorded as more than four times over the legal limit in Mapperley, the force said. The man accused has since been charged with drink driving and is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on February 13.
The second highest reading – also reportedly more than four times over the limit – was allegedly recorded by a man found slumped behind the wheel of a car in Aspley. He has also been charged with driving under the influence and will appear at the same court on February 21.
The action came as part of Nottinghamshire Police’s Deadly Mix campaign, which was timed to coincide with the festive period as this is traditionally a time when motorists are more likely to drink excess alcohol. Chief Inspector James Walker said: “Whist it’s disappointing that so many drivers are willing to ignore decades worth of very clear public messaging around this issue – it is reassuring to know that the vast majority of drivers do behave in a responsible way.
“Police officers regularly have to deal with the tragic consequences of fatal road traffic collisions and the lives torn apart by them. All deaths and serious injuries on our roads are terrible in their own right, but there is something especially serious about those incidents caused by drink or drugs.”