Drink-drive figures show real decline

A total of 3,063 motorists were breathalised during the December campaign '“ three times more than in 2006.

A total of 238 people tested positive or refused the test, which was significantly less than the previous year.

The number of fatalaties during the month was halved to six and serious injuries were down by 25 per cent to 66 compared with December 2006.

Slight injuries were also significantly reduced.

Members of the public also showed their support for the campaign by making 36 reports about drivers they suspected of drink-driving.

Superintendent Paul Morrison, of the Road Policing Unit, said he was pleased with the results but the force would continue to work hard on the issue.

"The campaign is making an impact. The focus is on educating drivers rather than taking away their licences," he said.

"I am delighted that the vast majority took heed '“ with many reporting their suspicions of fellow motorists to us, too.

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

"Their attitude 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."