Northern Ireland drink-driving convictions soar by 40% in two years

Drink-driving convictions in Northern Ireland have risen by 40% over two years. Last year 2,200 people were convicted - 600 more than in 2013 - an average of 40 per week.

Figures from the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure show that around 10,000 people have been convicted in the past five years. Although numbers fell in 2013 since then, despite a number of high profile road safety campaigns, convictions have been rising again.

The figures have led for calls from politicians for tougher penalties for offenders. Road Safety charity Brake welcomed the Assembly's plans to lower the Northern Ireland drink-drive limit (bringing it in line with Scotland) but warned it must be effectively implemented with road traffic officers receiving resources and support. The figures were released as the Police Service for Northern Ireland prepared to launch its Christmas anti-drink driving campaign in conjunction with Road Safety Week.