Fleet managers urged to monitor drivers.

Many fleet businesses are being urged to monitor their fleet drivers after a breath-test crackdown over Christmas and New Year led to an unprecedented number of people being arrested.

Figures show Nearly 157,000 people were tested between December 1 and January 1, this led to More than 7,200 people in England and Wales being arrested.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) says young drivers had a higher rate of offending at 5.7%, compared with 4% of over-25s.

Safety campaigners say the data shows warnings about drink and drug-driving are not working.

AA president Edmund King said he had hoped that positive tests across the UK would be lower this year but admitted the weather had played a part in previous figures.

He said: “We were worried that the absence of the snow and ice, which had kept many people at home around Christmas in the last two years, would lead to an increase.

Even just the one drink can significantly impair your judgement and for that reason I recommend drivers don’t drink alcohol and drive.”

Officers from 43 forces in England and Wales tested drivers at all times of the day and night.

Deputy Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police Suzette Davenport, who is Acpo lead for roads policing, said the consequences of drink and drug-driving were far-reaching.

She said: “It’s not only socially irresponsible but it raises serious issues for those that ignore the risks.

“Those convicted are likely to face a lengthy driving ban and possible loss of jobs and livelihoods, with some even facing imprisonment.”

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