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Kent Police reveal which towns had the highest drink drive arrests and convictions over Christmas

By: Claire McWethy cmcwethy@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 10:00, 19 January 2017

Updated: 10:44, 19 January 2017

Police have revealed which Kent towns had the highest number of drink drive arrests this festive period - and Maidstone tops the table.

The County Town saw 16 drivers detained, and 14 charged with being over the limit while behind the wheel.

The number of charges was tied with Medway.

PC Bullows failed a breath test. iStock library image

In total police arrested 125 peopleduring December as part of a crackdown on drink driving in the lead up to Christmas.

Drivers charged elsewhere included 12 in Canterbury, 10 in Dover, nine in Swale and Tonbridge and Malling, eight in Gravesham and seven in Thanet.

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Five were convicted in Sevenoaks and Shepway and four in Ashford and Tunbridge Wells.

Dartford had the lowest figure, with two drivers charged.

Insp Sam Pearson from the roads policing unit said: "We police drink driving offences every day, but in December we have a particular focus on it because of the time of year and the increase in people who are out socialising.

"People can be killed or seriously injured as a result of the inconsiderate actions of those who think it is acceptable to drive a vehicle when they have been drinking alcohol. Our message is that if you have consumed alcohol then you should find another way to get home.

"Getting a drink driving conviction could cost you your driving licence, and perhaps even your job, but worse still you could be responsible for causing someone serious injury or death."

It is estimated that in the region of 200 people die every year as a direct result of drink drivers, and many more are injured.

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