Case Explained: Latest person ‘intoxicated’ behind the wheel was more than three times the legal limit, police highlight – Legal Perspective

Officers used a detection made on Monday evening to highlight once again the dangers of drink and drug driving, one of the ‘fatal five’ factors that contribute to serious road traffic collisions.

It comes as all police districts are involved in a proactive operation to increase roadside testing and with targeted vehicle stops for drivers suspected of being under the influence.

At 5.50pm, officers responded to reports of an intoxicated man sitting at the wheel of his car in a car park at Duke Street in Portadown.

“This man was arrested for being drunk in charge of a motor vehicle. He was brought to custody where he produced an evidential sample of 114 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath – this is over three times the legal limit,” police said.

“This man will be charged for the offence and will face a day in court.

“Never, ever get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you have consumed alcohol… would you be willing to live with the consequences?”

Police also reminded drivers of the potential dangers of driving after a night out.

“If you have been drinking, it will take time for the alcohol to leave your system, so you may still be over the limit if you head out in the car the morning after – please don’t take the risk and plan ahead,” a PSNI spokesperson said.

“Drink or drug driving is reckless and selfish, and puts not only your life in danger but the lives of everyone using our roads.

“Today, and in the run up to Christmas and beyond we will continue to administer random breath tests to road users.”

During last year’s PSNI anti drink and drug drive campaign, there were 6,265 preliminary breath tests conducted between December 1, 2024 and January 1, 2025, with 298 people arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving during this time.

At the launch of the 2025 campaign, Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson warned: “There is no excuse for driving with drink or drugs. If you get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having a drink, or taken drugs, you are putting yourself and everyone else at risk.”

“These figures show that people are still willing to take the risk, that some people on our roads simply don’t care about how their selfish and reckless decisions can harm others and that is really disturbing. Driving with drink or drugs is a crime and drastically increases the chances of causing a collision. It only takes one drink.

“Our appeal is to anyone planning a night out, planning to drive, is don’t drink any alcohol or take any drugs at all.

“Drink or drug driving is one of the ‘Fatal Five’, which are the main reasons people are dying on our roads. If convicted of drink or drug driving, you will face the prospect of starting the New Year with a court appearance and losing your driving licence. This can have a huge impact on your life and that of your family.”