Police remind people of the dangers of drink-driving after 108 people are arrested in December
Published: 00:00, 22 December 2014
Updated: 13:58, 22 December 2014
An Ashford man is among more than 100 drivers to be arrested on suspicion of drink-driving this month in Kent.
Gary Branchett, 23, of Star Road, was arrested in Simone Weil Avenue just after 9pm on Saturday.
He was later charged with drink-driving and driving without insurance and bailed to appear before magistrates in Canterbury on Monday, January 12.
Kent Police, who are supporting a national anti drink-drive campaign, have been stopping and breathalysing anyone suspected of being over the limit on the roads over the last few weeks.
Between December 15-21, they made 33 arrests for drink-drive related offences.
Of those, 22 have already been charged.
Inspector Rob Dell from the Roads Policing Unit at Kent Police said: "We made 33 arrests for drink-driving related offences last week.
"The same seven days in 2013 yielded 39 arrests which suggests more and more people are getting the message.
"But we know there is still a minority of people who risk their safety, and the safety of others, by drink-driving.
"Since the start of the month we’ve arrested 108 people on suspicion of drink-drive offences.
"Of those, 72 have been charged and given a court date. Our officers will continue to be on patrol throughout the Christmas week and I hope this campaign serves as a warning to others.
"Historically, Christmas Eve has been a particularly busy night for drink-drive arrests so I would like to remind people who are going to be drinking – do not drive. If you’re going to be driving, don’t drink."
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Sam Williams