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Tonbridge man Andrew McGuinnes of Gorham Drive one of 15 arrested by Kent Police during a drink driving crackdown

A Tonbridge man was one of 15 arrested by Kent Police during a crackdown on drink-driving over the weekend.

Kent Police officers arrested 15 people between 3:28pm on Saturday and 3:05am on Sunday, making it the busiest night for drink-drive arrests so far this month.

Those arrested included 53-year-old Andrew McGuiness, of Gorham Drive in Tonbridge, who was arrested in Angel Lane at 3:45pm.

Stock picture.
Stock picture.

He was charged with drink-driving and bailed to appear before Sevenoaks magistrates on January, 23.

In all, 43 people were arrested on suspicion of drink-driving between December 8 and 15, compared to 32 the week before.

Of those 75 suspects, 49 people have already been charged and handed a court date.

Ch Insp Matthew Kendall from the Roads Policing Unit at Kent Police said: "The fact that 30 people were arrested on suspicion of drink-driving over the weekend demonstrates how seriously Kent Police is taking the issue of drink-driving this Christmas.

"Like our colleagues up and down the country, we are supporting the national drink-driving campaign and will continue to do so.

"It is always disappointing that a small minority of people ignore the messages and choose to risk their safety, and the safety of others, for the sake of a drink" - Ch Insp Matthew Kendall

"All month we’re reminding people of the dangers of drink-driving, while also carrying out enforcement activity across the county.

"It is always disappointing that a small minority of people ignore the messages and choose to risk their safety, and the safety of others, for the sake of a drink.

In Kent, partner agencies have been stressing there is no sure-fire way of drivers knowing whether they are below the legal drink-drive limit or not, apart from a police breathalyser test.

Ch Insp Kendall added: "Alcohol affects everyone in different ways, making it impossible to guess whether you are safe to drive or not. Our advice is simple - if you are driving, do not drink. If you are drinking, do not drive.

"The people we have already charged this month can expect to lose their licence if found guilty at court. Even if you’ve just had one drink, ask yourself if the consequences are worth the risk - before getting behind the wheel.

"Instead, arrange alternative transport or wait until you can be sure that the alcohol has left your system."

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