DRINK-DRIVERS across Surrey are not getting the message, despite a hard-hitting Christmas campaign from Surrey Police. Figures released this week show an increase in motorists caught over the limit behind the wheel over the festive season. During the campaign, which ran throughout December, drivers involved in both injury and damage only collisions provided 356 breath tests, of which 21 were positive. This compares to 296 tests last year, of which 12 were positive. Of the total number of 1,586 breath tests given during this year's campaign (a drop of 388 on last year's figure of 1,974), 121 were positive (a small increase on last year's 104). Chief Inspector Moira Munro, who heads the Surrey Police roads policing unit, said: "It is very disappointing that some drivers continue to ignore the seriousness of driving with excess alcohol in the blood, but the results do show that they are now far more likely to be caught. "The strict policy of breath testing all drivers involved in a road-traffic collision sends a clear message that, even though a driver may not be responsible for the collision itself, the likelihood of being caught and convicted is even greater. "Drink and drug driving enforcement continues throughout the year and so too does the resolve to deal with those drivers who don't think about how their irresponsible behaviour could affect someone else's life as well as their own and their families' lives." Helyn Clack, Surrey County Council executive member for transport, added: "It's good to see that fewer people needed to be tested, although more of these were over the limit. "The figures show the message is being heard but we must be loud and clear - if you want to go out and drink, price a taxi into your evening out. Drinking and driving is like not wearing a seatbelt; it's complete madness."
