Northern Ireland

Police make 103 drink-drive arrests in two weeks of lockdown

Police have stopped 103 people over the last weekend
Police have stopped 103 people over the last weekend Police have stopped 103 people over the last weekend

POLICE have made more than 100 arrests for drink and drug driving offences over the last fortnight despite the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in place.

Despite a 60 per cent reduction in traffic flow, the health advice and business closures, police stopped 103 people.

The arrests were made by police officers on patrol or at vehicle checkpoints as well as following tip-offs from members of the public, including in some cases from concerned family members.

PSNI Inspector Rosie Leech described the figures as "disappointing".

"At a time when we are all working together to try and minimise unnecessary pressure on our NHS and emergency service colleagues, it is particularly disappointing that so many people have decided to put lives at risk by driving after drinking or taking drugs," she said.

"We have significant numbers of police officers on duty across the country and are determined to continue our road safety enforcement.

"While I would like to thank all those who reported incidents of people they suspected were driving while under the influence, I would again repeat our road safety appeal - now more than ever please take personal responsibly for road safety.

"Please slow down. Wear a seatbelt. Pay attention to your surroundings. Never ever drink or take drugs and drive.

"Whilst there is less traffic on many roads, we are seeing greater numbers of pedestrians from children through to older people and more cyclists using our road network across all times of the day - so it is critically important that we all look out for each other.

"Stay home. Save lives."