Three drink-drive arrests

Police been carrying out early and later evening patrols to offer people advice and ensure anyone tempted to have a tipple and get behind the wheel thinks twice.

Early morning patrols will also be set-up over the next week.

Anyone caught faces a 5,000 fine, they will be disqualified and could even go to prison.

Sussex Police started their festive 'What will it take to stop you drink driving' campaign a fortnight ago, before the national campaign kicked off, and they have been impressed with the results so far.

Out of 18 site checks locally, and 64 breath tests, only three people have tested positive from 274 motorists spoken to.

But despite the low figures this year and last (only six drivers were arrested for drink driving over the 2001 festive period), Sgt Keith Ellis warned there is still a long way to go.

He said: "There is no safe drink-drive limit. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your judgement and reaction times which could cause a crash and put lives in danger.

"We have not just been doing the high-profile roads, we are also going to roads we are aware could be used by people wanting to avoid us. We are trying to get the message across that you will not get away with it."

He added: "We would ask people to try to talk to people if they think they are tempted to drink-drive. Take their keys, call a taxi, and if all else fails, call the police on 0845 6070999.

"Also remember you can still be over the limit the morning after."