DRINK drivers trying to make for a bolt for the border this Christmas will face the real possibility of getting caught.
Under a joint operation, the PSNI in Derry and Gardai in Donegal have joined forces this Christmas and New to catch those drunk behind the wheel.
Patrols have been out along the Derry to Donegal border with checkpoints being sprung up to nab those flouting the laws.
And more are planned for this weekend.
Police have caught over 100 drink drivers during the first two weeks of this year’s winter anti drink driving campaign right across the North of Ireland.
The figure, which covers 26 November to 9 December, is up by 42% over last year – an extra 31 detections.
It includes drivers and motorcyclists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “Drink and drive and at best, like the 104 people detected so far, you are likely to be caught, arrested and brought before the courts.
“You will almost certainly lose your licence for one or more years, will be fined, and will have great difficulty in obtaining car insurance in the future and could risk losing your job.
“If you’re involved in a collision where someone is killed or seriously injured, you risk going to jail.”
Police said there have been 70 deaths on Northern Ireland’s roads this year so far, while many more have been badly hurt.
A hard-hitting new advert was recently launched for the Christmas period, specifically targeting young men between the ages of 18 and 24.
“When we launched this operation at the end of last month, we warned drivers not to take the risk because police would be redoubling efforts to prevent and detect people drink driving,” said Alan Todd.
“While we have tested and detected more people, it’s difficult to accept this situation as a success.
“We shouldn’t be detecting anyone drink driving.
“While our high profile series of roads policing operations will continue to target drink drivers day and night throughout the coming weeks, the sad reality is that more people will be caught drink driving during this campaign.
“We are appealing for everyone to support our campaign and stay safe on the roads.”