Man arrested for drink driving in Cork after running a red light outside Garda station

The man is one of 730 people arrested on suspicion of drink driving since a Christmas and New Year anti drink driving campaign was launched on December 1.

There has been a 34% increase in the number of people arrested for drink driving this December compared to the same period in 2015, according to figures released by An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Since the launch of a Christmas and New Year anti drink driving campaign on December 1, 738 people have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving compared to 549 in the same period in 2015. The number includes 14 people who were arrested on suspicion of drink driving on Christmas Day, while according to the Evening Echo, a man was arrested in Cork for driving through a red light outside Anglesea Street Garda station in the early hours of one morning over the festive period. An Garda Síochána wish to remind every driver that intoxicated driving will continue to be targeted by all Garda members on a 24/7 basis, including the morning after, and appeal to every driver to be responsible and never, ever drink and drive. Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn said on Friday: “Tragically, there has been two fatalities over the past seven days, a motorcyclist on Christmas Day and a driver on St Stephen’s Day. “In addition there were 14 drivers arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving on Christmas Day. After all the appeals and media focus on this area, it is bitterly disappointing that some drivers took that risk with their and others lives, when they should have been enjoying the day with friends and family. “We again appeal to drivers to be responsible and to never, ever drink and drive. We appeal to passengers to never take a lift from someone who has been drinking, and to pedestrians – please enjoy the New Year celebrations, but don’t overdo it. Plan your journey home in advance. Let’s make this New Year a safe one for all.”