HAMPSHIRE police say they are disappointed after the same number of drivers tested positive for drink/driving as last year. Between December 1 and January 1, 5,916 drivers were breath-tested across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight with 374 being arrested for testing positive or refusing to be breathalysed – exactly the same number as for the same period last year. The numbers of people driving while under the influence of drugs also saw a similar result to last year, with slightly under a quarter of all those being to subjected to a FIT test failing. Last year 100 FIT tests were conducted, with 25 proving positive. This year, 88 people were tested, and 16 failed the test. This brings the total number of arrests between December 1 and January 1 to 390, just nine less than last year. "We are very disappointed to see that the figures have remained the same as last year and people are continuing to drink and drive, putting not only their lives but other road users at risk," said Inspector Peter Hughes, from the roads policing unit, which leads the force's campaign against impaired driving. "Despite a major publicity campaign, people are clearly still refusing to listen to the message. Nearly 400 have been arrested, and these now face the harsh consequences of potentially losing not just their driving licence, but their jobs and their lifestyle that relies on a fixed income. "Drivers need to remember that this message is not just for Christmas – drinking and driving is irresponsible and dangerous all year round. Officers from the roads policing unit and from across the county will continue to target those who drink or take drugs and drive throughout the year." In the North and East Hampshire operational control unit (OCU), 21 drink-drivers were arrested and processed through the custody centre at Alton Police Station, with Basingstoke processing 32 drink-drivers and Aldershot 46. However the processing location does not necessarily reflect the area where the offence was originally committed.
