Drink-drive campaign was success say police

Some 3,063 motorists were tested in December - three times as many compared with December 2006. Yet the number of those who tested positive or refused was fewer -238 or 7.7%.

Better still, the number of fatalities during the month halved to six, and serious injuries went down by a quarter to 66, compared to December 2006.

Slight injuries were also significantly reduced.

Officers are delighted that the public also showed that they were also behind the campaign by making three times as many reports to police using the Operation Crackdown webpage about motorists suspected of driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Superintendent Paul Morrision, head of the Road Policing Unit, said: "The campaign is making an impact. The focus is on educating drivers rather than taking away their licences. I am delighted that the vast majority took heed - with many reporting their suspicions of fellow motorists to us too.

"Not only did it lead to a more enjoyable festive period, but there was a significant reduction in the number of people seriously injured or killed on the roads, which is a Force priority.

"However, there remains a small hard core of drivers willing to risk everything by drinking and driving.

"Their attititude is dangerous and selfish; and, as well as being illegal, their behaviour is socially unacceptable. We will continue the drink drive campaign in Sussex into the new year in our efforts to keep the numbers of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads down."