DRINK-DRIVING offences continue to fall. They were down by almost a fifth last year. But Guernsey Police warn against any complacency as motorists continue to take risks.

A total of 180 were arrested on suspicion of drink-driving last year – with 146 subsequently charged.

That was an 18% reduction on the number of people charged in 2005, when the figure was 11% down on 2004.

‘The trend is encouraging but we should not become complacent by the size of the percentage drop of the last 12 months,’ said police head of operations Superintendent Ian Morellec.

‘Crude analysis of those arrests that did not progress to prosecution suggests that in each case, the motorists were only one alcoholic drink away from jeopardising their driving licence,’ he said.

‘It can only be hoped that the majority of drivers to whom this applied will take heed of their salutary experience and make more appropriate choices in future.

‘A minority of the motoring population will continue to flout the law. However, those who do it on a regular basis will inevitably chance their luck too far.’

The police are grateful that the public continue to report suspected offenders.

‘Some ‘tip-offs’ are made anonymously and we do have to be mindful that such calls could be malicious. Inevitably we always proceed with caution but callers should not be deterred from providing their details in such circumstances as very rarely would they be sought as witnesses in any proceedings.’

Getting callers’ contact details also gives police the opportunity to get back in touch and update them.

The feedback the police received to the high-profile campaigns during the the past three Christmas periods has been supportive.

‘Attitudes to drink-driving have undoubtedly changed for the better since the introduction of the prescribed-limit offence in 1989,’ said Supt Morellec. ‘That was a significant factor.

‘I’m sure those of us who have been driving long enough will have noticed such a change amongst our own circle of friends or acquaintances.

‘These changes can be inferred from various public comments made in recent years by the licensing trade who have cited the legislation as a contributory factor in falling liquor sales.’