Drink-drive campaign cuts deaths

The number of people fatally injured on the roads in Sussex during December has been halved, according to police.

The force said six people were killed last month, compared to 12 in December 2006. It also said the number of people injured had been cut by a quarter.

Sussex Police said the figures showed its drink drive campaign in December had been a big success.

Of the 3,063 motorists tested during the campaign, 238 tested positive, 7.7% fewer than for the same period in 2006.

'Making an impact'

Supt Paul Morrision, head of the road policing unit, said: "The campaign is making an impact. The focus is on educating drivers rather than taking away their licences.

"I am delighted that the vast majority took heed - with many reporting their suspicions of fellow motorists to us too.

"Not only did it lead to a more enjoyable festive period, but there was a significant reduction in the number of people seriously injured or killed on the roads, which is a force priority."

He added: "However, there remains a small hardcore of drivers willing to risk everything by drinking and driving.

"We will continue the drink-drive campaign in Sussex into the new year in our efforts to keep the numbers of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads down."