Drink-driving arrests see surge

A crackdown on drink-driving in Leicestershire has seen the proportion of breathalysed drivers who are then arrested almost double.

The month-long campaign in June saw nearly 600 people breathalysed by officers. Of these 90 - about 15% - were found to be over the legal limit.

A similar initiative last year found only 8% of motorists driving illegally.

Officers said the higher rate was down to proactive policing stopping "suspicious vehicles".

Those arrested face a minimum 12-months driving ban and a fine of up to £5,000.

Age concern

Insp Vivienne Brenchley said: "Only 235 breath tests were carried out by officers following collisions.

"The remaining amount were carried out as a result of officers proactively stopping motorists either on suspicion of traffic offences or because their driving led officers to believe that they may under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"It is very disappointing to see that nearly a third of the drivers arrested - a total of 29 - are under the age of 25.

"Not only does this age group feature heavily in drink-drive statistics, but also in the numbers of those killed and seriously injured on our roads."