A 15-year-old boy was among those caught by police as drink-driving levels rose in Northern Ireland in the run-up to the New Year, it emerged today.
Police said 478 motorists were set to lose their licences after being caught between November 25th and New Year's Day during this year's winter clampdown. This was an increase of 82 cases on the same period last year.
Motorists were warned today by Supt Ian Hamill, who heads the PSNI's road policing development branch, that there would be no relaxation in the determination of his officers to bring drink drivers before the courts.
The oldest driver caught during the clampdown was aged 76. Around 22 people were also caught between 7 and 11am, the morning after they consumed drink.
Police estimate 37 people died on Northern Ireland's roads last year in accidents caused by alcohol.
Supt Hamill said catching drink drivers remained an "all year round priority" for the PSNI.
"The vast majority of right thinking people realise that drink driving is shameful and unacceptable," he said. "However there seems to be an irresponsible minority who ignore all advice and warnings.
PA