Drink driving action on Penistone Road

COMMUTERS got a reminder of the dangers of drink driving on their way to work on Monday morning, as South Yorkshire Police officers carried out a high-visibility operation on one of Sheffield’s major routes.

A mobile roadblock operation was set up on Penistone Road with 53 drivers pulled over at random and asked to take a breath test.

Out of 53 drivers, three tested positive for alcohol in their system but were not over the legal limit.

T/PS Antony Cartlidge, leading the operation, said: “This morning we’ve been randomly stopping vehicles heading into the city to try and make people think twice about how much they’re drinking in the run up to Christmas.

“It’s important that people see us actively testing people, because I think there is a tendency for the public to think they won’t get ‘found out’ if they’re over the limit.

“I hope that this sends a positive message that we do take drink driving seriously, especially at this time of year, when people do overindulge.

“You might think one more Prosecco or pint won’t make a difference, but there is no way of knowing how long your body takes to process alcohol.

“You could still be very much over the limit the morning after the night before.

“It was great to see lots of willing people providing breath tests this morning. I hope this has made them think about how they behave over the party season this year.”

The majority of drivers were happy to be stopped and reassured that positive action is being taken to keep the roads of South Yorkshire safe.

One driver, who blew 25mg (the legal limit being 35mg) said it was a ‘wake up’ call and will be mindful in the future.

T/PS Antony Cartlidge added: “Thank you to everyone who stopped and engaged with our officers, we will continue to tackle those who do not take action to keep our communities safe.”