One in 10 drivers stopped by police in the last week have been over the limit.

This alarming statistic proves Sutton residents are failing to take heed of the nationwide don't drink and drive message.

Police hope the release of such figures will set alarm bells ringing among motorists who may be tempted to indulge a little too much in the run up to Christmas.

The stark reminder follows a week of police night patrols across the borough in a drink- drive clampdown.

Of more than 100 cars pulled over during the one week campaign, as many as 13 were arrested for drink-drive related offences. There were further arrests, including two who were caught behind the wheel despite being disqualified.

Eleven drivers were also pulled over for serious contravention of speed limits and a further 70 were verbally warned for less serious speed infringements and minor traffic offences after their breath tests proved negative.

A Sutton police spokesman said: "Is it worth the possibility of injuring or killing themselves or another, all for the sake of a drink?"

When accidents do happen, the clean up operation is in the hands of the Collision Investigation Unit, based at Hampton traffic garage.

"We have to clean up the horrific consequences of drink- driving," said Sergeant John McAree. "The message does not seem to be getting through to the over 40s. The youngsters are OK, but it's harder educating the older ones."

He added there was also a growing concern that both illegal and prescribed drugs have been the cause of many accidents behind the wheel.

"My main message would be to keep drinking under control and for people to have a designated driver when they go out partying. If you are going to drive, you don't drink. It's as simple as that."

December 21, 2001 09:30