Five people wakened up in police custody over the bank holiday weekend after they were arrested for driving while unfit in the Belfast area.
Belfast Superintendent Finola Dornan said: “It is unacceptable that drivers continue to risk not only their own safety, but that of other road users.
“As these arrests evidence, our officers will be actively seeking to arrest those who make the reckless decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs.
"Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the Fatal Five. Just one drink can kill. We are active in our efforts to prevent harm by arresting these drivers and bringing them before the courts."
A collision was reported in the Nansen Street area in the early hours of Sunday, 25th May, between two vehicles. No injuries were reported but the 20-year-old man suspected to be driving one of the vehicles was arrested and later charged with driving with excess alcohol alongside a number of other driving-related offences. He was due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court today, Monday 26th May.
A 42-year-old man who was reported to be driving while drunk in the Clifton Street area just before 9.55pm on Sunday evening was arrested and has since been charged with driving with excess alcohol. He will appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23rd June.
Officers were called to the scene of a two-vehicle collision in the Divis Street area just before 10.15pm. No injuries were reported, but damage was caused to both vehicles. A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving while unfit and a number of other driving-related offences. He remains in custody at this time.
Just after 12.25am this morning, Monday, 26th May, patrol officers noted a vehicle being driven with no lights on in the Upper Knockbreda Road area. The 55-year-old man driving the vehicle was subsequently arrested and charged with driving with excess alcohol. He will also appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23rd June.
Officers on patrol in the Oxford Street area at around 3.20am arrested a 35-year-old woman after they noticed a vehicle being driven erratically. She has since been charged with driving with excess alcohol and possession of a Class B controlled drug and will appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 19th June.
As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
For more information on the Fatal Five, the five main causation factors in collisions, please see https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/roads-and-driving/fatal-five