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29
Apr 2021
Last Updated: 29/04/2021
Drink-drive arrests up 75% since beer gardens reopened
North Yorkshire Police's drink-driving campaign, which launched to coincide with pubs reopening outdoors on April 12, has seen a large increase in arrests - and Harrogate is one of the worst areas in the county.
Thirty-five suspected drink drivers have been arrested by North Yorkshire Police within a fortnight of beer gardens reopening.
The number represents a 75% increase compared to this time last year.
Those arrested include eight people in the Harrogate district. The only district with more arrests was York, with 11.
North Yorkshire Police launched a “Be a hero, Stay at zero” drink-drive campaign to coincide with pubs reopening on April 12.
It urged people thinking of going for a drink to use public transport or select a designated driver.
Roads policing sergeant, Andrew Morton, said:
"We’ve already encountered too many people who have ignored our warnings. Our message is simple – if you drink or drug drive, we will catch you.
"We have only just been allowed to start going to beer gardens again – don’t ruin this for yourself by losing your licence, getting a criminal record and driving ban, paying a heavy fine or going to prison."
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