Sheffield drivers test positive for alcohol as police launch Christmas drink-driving crackdown

A mobile roadblock was set up on Penistone Road with 53 drivers pulled over at random and asked to take a breath test.

Three tested positive for alcohol in their system but were not over the legal limit.

Temporary Sergeant Antony Cartlidge, leading the operation, said: “This morning we’ve been randomly stopping vehicles heading into the city to try and make people think twice about how much they’re drinking in the run up to Christmas.

“It’s important that people see us actively testing people, because I think there is a tendency for the public to think they won’t get found out if they’re over the limit.

“I hope that this sends a positive message that we do take drink driving seriously, especially at this time of year, when people do overindulge.

“You might think one more prosecco or pint won’t make a difference, but there is no way of knowing how long your body takes to process alcohol.

“You could still be very much over the limit the morning after the night before.

“It was great to see lots of willing people providing breath tests this morning. I hope this has made them think about how they behave over the party season this year.”

He said the ‘majority’ of drivers were happy to be stopped and were ‘reassured that positive action is being taken to keep the roads of South Yorkshire safe’.