'Worrying' spike in drink-drive cases; Five Selby arrests

A summer crackdown on inebriated drivers has lead to five arrests being made across the Selby area.

61 arrests have been made county-wide, with police having conducted some 540 breath tests since the crackdown began just 19 days ago. 

Alarmingly, one fifth of those arrested have blown samples that are three times over the legal limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath. By comparison, only 6% of arrests made in last year's crackdown provided readings of this level.

Police say the highest reading seen so far was from a 58-year-old man arrested in the Malton area. He blew 139ug – just under four times the legal limit.

New road side drug screening devices have also been deployed to help the police catch those driving under the influence of drugs. 13 arrests have been made so far due to positive drugs tests with three positive results for cannabis.

Sgt Andy Morton of the Roads Policing Group said “These prosecutions show that if people choose to break the law and drive under the influence of drink or drugs - we are out in force and waiting to catch you. Be assured, when we do, you will face a hefty fine and the possibility of a prison sentence.”

“If you are going out to have a drink ensure you have thought about how you will get home at the end of the night - leave your car at home.”

“We continue to appeal to members of the public that if they know of someone driving under the influence of drink or drugs – please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”