Police are planning more stop checks for drink driving in West Devon after reporting a noteable increase in drink driving cases in West Devon since the beginning of 2022.

Four cases have progressed to court already, with the most significant occurring on January 29 when one offender blew 178 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath â?? five times over the legal limit. This was the highest reading one Tavistock officer had ever seen in his career.

Two of the recent offences occurred during the day (at 11.30am and 4.30pm), demonstrating that drink driving is not an offence solely committed at night. Recent statistics show that this continues to be a male-dominated offence. Another noteable increase is the number of young people caught drink driving. Years ago, it was more common for offenders to be older, local police say.

During a recent crackdown on drink driving throughout December and the festive period, 166 drivers were arrested in Devon and Cornwall for drink driving; the youngest offender arrested was just 16 years old.