The number of drink drivers arrested in Braintree this month is nearly three times higher than the average for Essex.

Figures released by police following their Christmas anti-drink/drive campaign reveal almost three times as many drivers have been arrested in the division compared with the county as a whole.

There were 6,872 tests and 196 arrests in Essex between December 1 and 20, which works out to 2.8 per cent.

But in Braintree 83 tests were carried out by divisional officers, 10 of which were positive, a figure of 8.3 per cent.

Insp Mark Harman from Bocking Traffic Police said: "Although 8.3 per cent were positive only 83 tests were carried out, which isn't a lot.

''We will be carrying out many more checks leading up to Christmas and over the party season.

''It will be unlikely that anyone drinking and driving will get away with it, as the campaign is stronger than ever."

Keith Stevens, landlord of the Rose and Crown pub in the town, has just stepped down as chairman of the Licensed Victuallers Association.

"The LVA has always backed any anti-drink drive campaign and we strongly discourage anybody from drinking and driving. Although there are still 8.3 per cent of people not abiding by the law, more than 90 per cent of people in Braintree realise that drinking and driving is just not good enough,'' he said.

By Clare Berrett

Reporter's e-mail: clare.berrett@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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