Sussex Police conduct 3,748 breath tests in summer drink-drive purge

It comes as police warn drivers are being not to take a gamble with their licence by going for a drink in the sun.

Since the beginning of July, of the 80 motorists who have been stopped by police, the youngest offenders have been 17, yet only four of these have been teenagers - the same number as were pensioners.

The largest group stopped were people in their 30s, with 26 were pulled over.

Overall, the majority of those stopped were men, with just 13 of the 80 being women.

Chief Inspector Phil Nicholas, the head of the force’s road policing unit, said: “These figures show that it is not only young drivers that pose a danger on the roads.

“Similarly it is not just men that get behind the wheel while over the limit.

“Officers are out on the streets of Sussex looking for offenders around the clock and will not hesitate to pull over someone who they believe could have been drinking.

“Anyone who decides to go out in their car in the good weather and stops at a pub should ask themself if it is worth them losing their licence over a drink in the sun.”

This year’s annual summer drink drive campaign through June saw 3,748 breath tests carried out with 141 people arrested after either failing the test or being arrested for being impaired through drink or drugs.

Police are advising the public if you suspect someone is drink or drug driving to report it by texting 65999.

Reports should contain the vehicle’s make, model, colour and number plate with any information as to where the car is and the time/date the driver is expected to be on the road.

You can also report suspected drink drivers by calling 101, or dial 999.