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New drink-drive campaign starts
Police have launched the biggest ever crackdown on drink drivers in their bid to make the county's roads safer this summer.
In the biggest operation of its kind in Northamptonshire, officers will carry out 32 co-ordinated roadside operations, pulling motorists over, alongside ongoing patrolling and routine alcohol checks.
Police have set themselves the challenge of carrying out more breath tests than ever before.
Supt Sean Bell, of the Operations Tactical Unit, said: "I want to be clear on the consequences of being caught during this campaign – anybody charged with drink-driving will almost certainly appear in court within a matter of days.
"Apart from a driving disqualification and fine, offenders potentially
face a prison sentence of up to six months.
"There is absolutely no excuse for drinking and driving and motorists in Northamptonshire should be under no illusion that there is a very good chance of being caught.
"A drink-drive conviction sticks with you and has the potential to ruin your life.
"But that is nothing compared to the guilt of killing or seriously injuring someone. Before taking to the wheel under the influence, ask yourself if you could really cope with the death of someone's loved one on your conscience."
He said people might be tempted to drink more on summer days and nights.
During the last crackdown that ran from December 1, 2008, to January 1, 2009, 640 breath tests were carried out and 98 people were arrested for positive results, 34 of them aged between 17 and 24. Nine of the arrests were made between 7am and midday – the 'morning after' for the motorists.
Kettering-based driving instructor and treasurer of Northamptonshire's Roadar driving safety group Ian Humphrey said: "I certainly welcome these checks.
"It takes about one hour per unit for the alcohol to get out of your system. Alcohol definitely affects our reactions.
"Years ago, I taught a guy to drive who milked cows. He was a 10-pint man and started work at about 5am in the morning after drinking the night before.
"He was caught and banned from driving just a few weeks after passing his test."
Driving instructor Paul Millen, from PSM in Kettering, said: "Spot-checking is always a good idea.
"The message is that you don't drink and drive."
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Weather for Kettering
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North west
