Police carrying out spot checks at the South Esplanade yesterday evening. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0624562)
DRINK-drivers have been targeted again in the latest initiative of the summer-awareness campaign.
Police took up positions at the South Esplanade, stopping cars in a pro-active attempt to catch drink-drivers.
‘Overall, we have been encouraged with the impact the summer campaign has had to date,’ said Superintendent Ian Morellec.
‘The police and Crimestoppers have received no fewer than 14 calls by the public with regards to suspected drink-drivers as each year more islanders are taking a stance against drinking and driving,’ he said.
The campaign has focused heavily on the consequences of breaking the law.
Drug and Alcohol Strategy co-ordinator Andrea Nightingale said that the focus was on the consequences to the individual who breaks the law, rather than the innocent victims who might be involved.
‘It includes the possible loss of your driving licence, your job, receiving a huge fine, a driving ban and the possibility of going to prison.
‘It really isn’t worth taking the risk,’ said Ms Nightingale.
Sergeant John Tostevin oversaw the evening’s spot checks.
‘We are not allowed to stop people and ask for a random sample.
‘If we do stop someone and suspect they have been drinking, we will then have the means to use the breathalyser device,’ said Sgt Tostevin.
‘People are becoming more
accepting that drink-driving is not socially viable. We have sophisticated machinery that can’t be fooled. People need to understand that they will not get away with the crime,’ he said.
Owner of The Bookshop, on the South side, St Sampson’s, Jerz Jurkiewicz was stopped by police yesterday evening.
‘It’s great that the police can be seen on the streets. I’ve never been through a spot-check before but I am more than happy to participate,’ he said.
Article posted on 20th August, 2008 - 1.00pm
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