Police have snared four Essex motorists a day in the first two weeks of a drink-drive crackdown.

Of 1,351 drivers stopped since August 1, 63 either failed or refused a breath test.

The force's road policing manager, Chief Inspector Tom Diment, said the 4.7 per cent hit rate - slightly up from 4.6 per cent this time last year - showed many of the county's drivers were still ignoring the drink-drive message.

He warned law-breakers they ran the risk of arrest every time they got behind the wheel, especially during the summer blitz, which is set to continue until the end of the month.

"People who drink and drive are a menace to themselves and other road users," Mr Diment said.

"With over 90 people being breathalysed a day in the county, the chances of getting caught are high."

Published Tuesday August 17, 2004

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