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

This alarming statistic proves Sutton residents are failing miserably 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 comes following a week of police night patrols across the borough in a dedicated 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. On top of that were speeding offences.

Eleven drivers were pulled over for serious contravention of speed limits and a shocking 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, a dedicated team of police officers based at Hampton Traffic Garage.

One officer at the unit told the Guardian of the harrowing consequences involved in drink driving.

Sergeant John McAree added: "Last year there was a slight increase in accident numbers. The message does not seem to be getting through to the over-40s. The youngsters are OK, but it's 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.

He added:"We are dealing with fatal accidents all the time and the highest rate is among pedestrians.

"My main message would be if you are going to drive, you don't drink. It's as simple as that."

December 20, 2001 10:00