Twenty-three arrests for drink-driving in Derry and Strabane over festive period

THERE was a reduction in the number of people arrested across Derry City and Strabane for drink/drug driving offences during the Christmas period.

According to preliminary figures released by the PSNI, between December 1 and January 1, 23 drivers in the local policing district were arrested for driving under the influence.

That was almost half the number of those arrested during the same period in 2024

The figure for the previous year was 40, marking a 43 per cent decrease - the largest decrease recorded across all policing districts.

The PSNI's figures also reveal an average of nine arrests were made each day during the winter anti-drink/drug drive campaign.

A total of 288 arrests were made for drink/drug driving, compared to 300 during last year’s campaign.

The youngest person arrested on suspicion of drink and/or drug driving was 14 years of age and the oldest 82 years of age.

The highest detection was 172mg/100ml almost five times the legal limit of 35mg/100ml.

Initial figures show there were around 5,200 preliminary breath tests conducted throughout the campaign.

During the same campaign, preliminary figures show that almost 5,700 excess speed offences were detected by the Road Safety Partnership and the PSNI, while police officers recorded a further 35 for not wearing a seatbelt and 75 offences of using a mobile phone while driving.

A senior officer has appealed to all road users and motorists to pay particular focus to road safety to reduce the number of people injured and killed in traffic collisions.

Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson said: "When we launched our winter anti-drink and drug drive operation, we appealed directly to drivers not to take any risks by drinking or taking drugs and driving, and to pay particular attention to road safety.

“Despite our repeated appeals, and road safety efforts, the level of detections are shocking.

"All of these drivers made a conscious decision to drive in the way they did. Their selfish and reckless actions placed themselves, their passengers and all other road users in danger.”

In 2025, 56 people died on Northern Ireland’s roads.

To date, this year, four people have died on roads in Northern Ireland.

“These are more than statistics,” said Chief Superintendent Donaldson. "These deaths are catastrophic, devastating losses for loved ones left behind, for their friends and communities.

"Our roads are busy places and all road users and motorists share the responsibility for road safety. Poor driving, bad decisions behind the wheel – it’s all preventable.

"My appeal to everyone is before you start your road journey, take a moment to think about the responsibility you have driving.

"Think about your safety, that of your passengers and of all other roads users.

“Slow down, stay off your phone when you’re driving, don’t get careless, always wear your seat belt and never drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

"Driving requires 100 per cent of your attention and focus, and all of us can and must pay particular attention to road safety to reduce the number of people injured and killed on our roads.”