Drivers told not to risk own goal

SUFFOLK police and the county council are launching their World Cup drink drive campaign today.

Timed to coincide with the next round in the World Cup, the aim of the campaign was to reinforce the "If you have a drink – don't drive" message to all those celebrating or commiserating the results of the World Cup.

Up until 10am this morning 431 drivers have been stopped and tested for excess alcohol, of whom 42 gave a positive reading.

Chief Inspector Alan Pawsey, head of Suffolk's Traffic Department, said: "We are very disappointed that such a high percentage (9.7 per cent) of those people stopped have tested positive for excess alcohol in their systems.

"Out of the 40, eight people were tested at the site of a road traffic collision. Another eight were stopped and tested because they were observed to be committing some additional form of driving offence.

"Drink driving causes accidents and puts people's lives at risk. My message is simple – 'If you drink, don't drive'.

"Those people whom we have caught have effectively scored an 'own goal'. If convicted of drink driving, they could face imprisonment, loss of license and potentially the loss of their jobs and livelihood."

Drink drivers are actively targeted by Suffolk Police throughout the year. During the course of the World Cup police will be monitoring closely those locations where people gather together to consume alcohol and watch the football.

Additional officers will be on duty tomorrow to monitor the England versus Denmark game. England fans, who enjoy the game, are asked to make sure that their celebrations have no adverse effect on any other member of the public.

Those watching the World Cup, who wish to enjoy a drink, should make sure they have an alternative means of getting to their place of work or home, without the need to use their car.