Rise in under-25s drink and drug driving arrests

More young people are being arrested for drink and drug driving offences, according to figures from a police force's campaign to tackle the issue.

Suffolk Police said figures showed there was a 7% increase in the number of under-25s being arrested for these offences.

The force's annual campaign to target drunk and drug drivers ran from 1 December to 1 January, in conjunction with a UK-wide operation organised by the National Police Chiefs' Council.

Tim Passmore, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, said the increase was "disappointing".

During the campaign, 2,366 vehicles were stopped and 160 arrests were made.

Officers breathalysed 1,987 drivers and 379 drug wipes were also undertaken.

Out of those tests, 72 people were arrested after providing a positive breath test or refusing to provide a sample, while 88 people were arrested following a positive drug wipe.

Of all those who failed a test, 84% were male compared to 86% the year before.

As well as this, 21% were under the age of 25 compared to 14% last year.

Passmore stressed his support for the campaign and said he felt "frustrated" by the figures.

"I am particularly disappointed to see the increase in the number for younger drivers failing alcohol and drug tests," he said.

"This is a new generation of drivers who appear to not have heeded the very clear messages about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"I hope these results make people really think about the impact that losing the licence would have on their day-to-day lives and come to the realisation that it truly is not worth it."

"One hundred and sixty people in Suffolk decided that they wanted to not only risk their licences but also their lives and the lives of other road users. This is incredibly disappointing," Ch Insp Vicky McParland said.

"There has been a disappointing increase in the number of young people committing these offences.

"There is a real need to fully understand the consequences of your actions. You could lose your licence, your income, your freedom and ultimately your life."

The police force encouraged people to consider their actions before getting behind the wheel.

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