'Worrying' drink driving figures

Police in Leicestershire have said that despite numerous warnings, there has been a large number of motorists caught drink-driving over the festive season.

Between 1 December, 2007 and 1 January 2008, 10.2% of drivers stopped in Leicestershire and Rutland were found to be over the legal alcohol limit.

Of the 159 caught breaking the law, 59 were under the age of 25.

Sgt Ivan Stafford said it was "very worrying" to see so many young drivers over the limit.

"So many young drivers under the age of 25, especially men... are willing to risk losing their licence, livelihood and possibly their freedom with a drink drive conviction," said Mr Stafford.

"Although this was a Christmas campaign, Leicestershire Constabulary's zero tolerance attitude to drink or drug driving runs 365 days-a-year. Officers will continue to stop and breathalyse anyone they believe may be over the legal limit."

For the same period last year, 9.4% of drivers stopped were found to be over the limit.