Over 240 motorists caught drink driving in 3 weeks

Over 240 people have been caught drink driving in Northern Ireland in the last three weeks.

The PSNI says figures have risen slightly compared to this time last year.

There has been a small increase of 1.7 percent compared to 2015.

Chief Inspector Diane Pennington says some drivers were so drunk they could barely stand.

"When we launched this operation at the end of last month, we warned drivers not to take the risk because we would be using new legislation to perform random breath tests at vehicle checkpoints day and night across the country.

Over 240 motorists have been caught drink driving in the last 3 weeks. CI Diane Pennington says that's slightly up on last year's figures pic.twitter.com/kmmRhnQYbG

— Maria McCann (@journomaria) December 21, 2016

"Thankfully it would appear that many people are heeding our warnings as there has been a noticeable decline in the second and third weeks, despite the increase in preliminary tests being carried out." she said.

Over the past three weeks almost 700 PSNI checkpoints were put in place across Northern Ireland.

Police are warning drivers to rethink getting behind the wheel after they have been drinking @journomaria is at a random checkpoint this am pic.twitter.com/1lfgYkvO54

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 21, 2016

CI Pennington said: "We shouldn’t be detecting anyone drink driving. It’s disappointing that despite our warnings, there are still people who completely disregard the safety of themselves and others by continuing this shameful and incredibly dangerous practice.

“Just one drink can impair ability to drive. Once again we have stopped some drivers who were so drunk, they could barely stand. This is just unacceptable behaviour."

Police will continue to set up checkpoints over the holidays as part of their anti-drink driving campaign 

PSNI carrying out random breath tests on Malone Road as part of drink driving campaign @qnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/nudjeyv780

— Maria McCann (@journomaria) December 21, 2016

“To date this year 66 people have lost their lives in crashes on our roads and many more have been seriously injured, so I am also appealing for all road users and pedestrians to exercise caution and put road safety first." CI Pennington told Q radio news.