BBPA boss joins call for random breath testing

A trade leader is calling for random breath testing after police called Christmas drink and drug-driving levels "unacceptable".

A four-week crackdown in December revealed people are continuing to drive while under the influence.

A total of 133,136 drivers were breath tested and 9,275 of those tested positive.

Other tests carried out after collisions showed 8.6% of the 15,635 drivers stopped were over the limit.

This figure is slightly down on the previous year's 8.7%.

"Fit to Drive" tests were also pioneered at Christmas and 178 of the 540 people targeted were found to be under the influence of drink or drugs and all were subsequently arrested.

The "Fit to Drive" blitz involves road-side tests such as walking ability and assessing whether pupils are dilated.

If people fail, they are arrested and tested for drink and drugs at a police station.

British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) communications director Mark Hastings commented: "Statistics like these emphasise the importance of tough enforcement to back tough laws.

"As an industry, we would support random breath testing to let drink drivers know their behaviour won't be tolerated."

Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) road policing chief Meredydd Hughes said: "There are no excuses for this behaviour. If people are confused about the amount they can consume before driving, the advice is simple. Do not drink at all if you are planning to drive."

Hughes added ACPO had put special emphasis on catching drivers under the influence of drugs: "Numbers are increasing, particularly among young people," he added.