Less than one in twenty drivers breathalised in December over the limit (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Gloucestershire police's Eat Think and Be Merry scheme found less than one in twenty drivers over the limit

6:16pm Tuesday 15th January 2013 in Cotswolds news By Ian Craig

LESS than one in twenty drivers breathalised during Gloucestershire Police’s Christmas drink-driving campaign were found to be over the limit.

Officers carried out 1,835 breath tests throughout December and made 69 arrests, meaning 96 per cent of drivers were driving within safe limits.

Gloucestershire police Chief Inspector Jason Keates applauded those who had not risked drinking and driving.

“The support we’ve had from the county’s residents has been fantastic and we are sure it will continue throughout the year as our efforts to combat drink driving are not just for Christmas – we conduct breath tests every single day,” he said.

Road Safety Partnership head Dave Hornibrook said the results showed it is only a small minority who put their lives – and those of others – at risk by getting behind the wheel while over the limit.

“The vast majority of Gloucestershire’s motoring public understands how dangerous it can be to drive under the influence of alcohol and we thank them for their compliance and support,” he said.

As part of the campaign a new service was launched which residents can use to report suspected drink drivers by texting 07860 0900 095