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Friday, 5 January 2007, 11:10 GMT

Drink-driving officers suspended

57 more people were arrested than last year Two police officers in Northern Ireland have been suspended after being among 609 people detected drink-driving over the Christmas period.

The figures from the end of November show a rise of 57 people on the same period in 2005. Both officers were off duty at the time of the detection.

The figure includes motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.

Superintendent Bill Brown said police would continue to target drink-drivers.

"Although the current publicity campaign has ended, I can assure people that there will be no let up in our determination to catch drink drivers and bring them before the courts," he said.

He added: "It is disappointing that during the festive season 609 people decided to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking.

"That, of course, means 609 people are now looking into 2007 with the inevitable prospect of losing their licences, and in some cases their livelihoods.

"The vast majority of right thinking people realise that drink driving is shameful and unacceptable.

"However, there seems to be an irresponsible minority who ignore all advice and warnings."

The winter campaign is run jointly by the police and the Department of the Environment and is backed by a series of TV, newspaper and cinema advertisements.



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Related to this story:
Drink-driving campaign hits home (15 Dec 06 |  Northern Ireland )
Motorists face holiday crackdown (25 Aug 06 |  Northern Ireland )
Drink-driving figures 'up by 10%' (06 Jun 06 |  Northern Ireland )
57 officers caught drink-driving (18 May 06 |  Northern Ireland )

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