Map reveals where drivers are most likely to be pulled over and breathalysed – does your area make the list?
A MAP has revealed the areas where drivers are most likely to be pulled over and breathalysed.
The Cambridgeshire police force area is the UK’s drink driving capital, with 2.9 positive or refused breath tests per 1,000 of population in 2022.
Gloucestershire was the next highest, with 1.8 per 1,000, and Dyfed-Powys came in third place with 1.6.
The police forces which conduct the fewest drink driving tests, per 1,000 population, are Lincolnshire, Suffolk and West Yorkshire.
While Dyfed-Powys, Cumbria and South Wales conduct the most tests, comparative to their population size.
According to the latest figures from 2022, analysed by Direct Line Motor Insurance, cops carried out 58 per cent fewer breath tests compared to 10 previously, 2012.
However, over the same period, the number of positive or refused breath tests rose by 55 per cent.
In July 2022, more than one in five – 21 per cent – drivers who were breath tested, tested positive or refused to take the test.
While 551,375 breath tests were administered in 2012, just 11 per cent of drivers tested positive or refused to take a test.
This compares to 2022, when it hit 17 per cent.
The number of breath tests conducted by police reduced by 58 per cent between 2012 and 2022, when under a quarter of a million drivers were stopped (229,218).
Anyone refusing a breath test without a reasonable excuse can be arrested for “refusing to provide a sample”.
This can be punishable by up to six months’ imprisonment and a driving disqualification.
The drink drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 4 is 35 micrograms of alcohol, while in Scotland it is 22 micrograms, per 100 millilitres of breath.
Those caught driving or attempting to drive above the legal limit, or refusing to provide breath, blood, or urine for analysis, could face six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine or a driving ban for at least one year.
In 2022, the highest proportion of drink drivers were caught in the summer month of July, perhaps having been at summer BBQs or in pub gardens, with 21 per cent of the 18,774 breath tests taken producing positive or refused test.
By contrast, December saw more than double the number of tests administered by police, but a lower proportion of motorists 11 per cent testing positive or refusing to provide a sample.
Lorraine Price, Head of Motor Insurance and Direct Line said, “It is concerning to see a rising proportion of drivers testing positive for drink driving.
“We’re on our continued mission to keep roads safe, raising awareness of the dangers of drink driving.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol doesn’t just endanger the driver themselves, it also puts their passengers and other road users at risk.
“Drivers need to remember that if they’re wanting to drink, they should take alternative transport home.”