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ACCORDING to new data gathered by Confused.com, a total of 4,217 arrests were made in July 2022 relating to drink driving offences. Data was obtained through a Freedom of Information request to UK Police Forces. The request asked forces to share the total amount of drink driving arrests made in their area between:- January 2022 and 2023 so far. According to the data, 61,769 drivers were caught over the drink drive limit throughout 2022. And so far this year, a total of 11,105 drivers have been caught over the limit when behind the wheel.

As July was the worst month for drink driving throughout 2022, Confused.com analysed which force areas had the most offenders. And according to the data, the Met Police arrested the most amount of drink drivers during this month. Approximately 465 arrests were made by Police Officers within their area of responsibility throughout July. Meanwhile, Officers in Northern Ireland made 294 arrests, and 238 arrests were made by Police in Avon and Somerset.

Top offending areas:-

• Metropolitan = 465 in July 2022, and the total for 2022 = 5875.
   

• Northern Ireland = 294 in July 2022, and the total for 2022 = 3037.
   

• Avon and Somerset = 238 in July 2022, and the total for 2022 = 2583.
   

• West Yorkshire = 221 in July 2022, and the 2557 in total for 2022.
   

• West Midlands = 213 in July 2022, and the total for 2022 = 2403.

Drink driving offences happen at any time of year, but the summer months seem to be some of the worst. It could be because evenings are lighter for longer and there's often more opportunity for driver's to socialise. And further research gathered by Confused.com proves this. In a survey of 2,000 UK drivers, 63% drivers said they've driven after drinking alcohol. But only 10% said they think drivers are more likely to be caught drink driving during the summer. In comparison, more drivers (20%) said they felt they're likely to be caught drink driving during the Christmas period. This lack of awareness could explain why arrests rates are so high during the summer, as drivers could be turning a blind eye to Police presence on the road. But the research also suggests that many drivers aren't just being caught out after a drink on the same day. In fact, the morning after seems to be just as prolific for drink driving offences. 36% of those caught drink driving in the past were caught the morning after. 33% of all drivers surveyed said they'd driven the morning after drinking. But 17% calculated how much time had passed in relation to how much alcohol they had drunk before choosing to drive. To help drivers understand if they could still be over the limit, Confused.com has created a morning after calculator. This tool helps give drivers a rough estimation on when they could be fit to drive. And although the summer can be enjoyed by everyone, research shows how young people are some of the worst offenders. Drivers aged 18 - 24 admitted that they'd drink 3 alcoholic drinks, on average, before getting behind the wheel. This was higher than any other age group, who, on average, said they'd likely have 2 alcoholic drinks or fewer. That's why drivers are urged to be sensible and only drive if they're not drinking. And having alternative options, such as accommodation, a designated driver or money for public transport could keep everyone safe. And if drivers do need to drive the day after, they should allow the necessary time to pass so that they're safe to drive.

It can be easy to get carried away with alcohol. But if caught drink driving, the consequences aren't taken lightly. Drivers could face driving bans of up to 12 months, but if caught twice in 10 years, the ban could go up to 3 years. Drivers could also face a prison sentence and a hefty fine. The conviction would also be noted on your driver's licence as:- 'DR,' which stays on for 11 years. And don't forget the effects it could have on your car insurance. It's likely that a driving conviction could lead to more expensive insurance costs, as you're more risky to an insurer.

Louise Thomas, motor expert at Confused.com car insurance comments:- "When the weather is hotter and evenings become lighter, it can be tempting to make plans at the last minute. But if you've driven somewhere and then are left in a position where alcohol is involved, you might find yourself in a bit of a dilemma. If you're drinking alcohol, don't drive. Doing so could have huge consequences. Not just on your driving record, but you could be putting other road users' safety at risk too. If you need to get home the same day, the sensible option is to ask someone to pick you up, take public transport or even book accommodation for the evening. And don't forget that alcohol can stay in your system hours after drinking, including:- the morning after. So if you find yourself in a position to drive the day after drinking, you should check 1st that you're safe to get behind the wheel. That's where our morning after calculator can help. By telling the calculator what you had to drink the night before, drivers can determine if they could still be over the drink drive limit before getting behind the wheel."

Rural England's 9.7 million risk being left further behind at general election

RURAL England's population of 9.7 million risk being left further behind after the next general election if the political system continues to ignore the systematic inequalities facing rural communities and businesses, warn leading rural organisations.

The Rural Coalition, an alliance of 13 national organisations who champion a living, working countryside, has set out an urgent appeal for all political parties to empower rural areas in election manifestos to improve the prospects and opportunities for rural businesses and communities.

With rural areas a key battleground at the next general election the Coalition urges politicians to address the needs and potential of rural areas and ensure they are treated fairly with the rest of the country.

The roadmap:- 'A better future for rural England:- An opportunity for change,' sets out nine policy principles to address the structural inequalities and weaknesses facing rural areas and the people who live and work in rural England.

Rural areas have long faced the challenges of failing infrastructure, poor connectivity and unfair funding systems that do not take proper account of the additional rural costs associated with delivering essential services, including healthcare.

That is why the Rural Coalition is calling on the next Government to implement the Coalition's vision for rural England, including:-

• Produce a comprehensive rural strategy - create a cross departmental strategy for rural England to deliver sustainable growth for communities and businesses.
   

• Ensure fairer funding - revise funding metrics used to allocate funds for public services to address the systemic gap between urban and rural public funding.
   

• Invest in rural infrastructure - upgrade capacity and resilience of the electricity grid; invest in reliable digital networks and create fit for purpose rural transport networks.
   

• Adapt and mitigate for climate change; launch a coordinated approach from Government and agencies to address the challenges posed by climate change.
   

• Create a prosperous rural economy - invest in skills and retraining to increase economic diversity and attract new businesses.
   

• Rural proof the design of services; develop service plans that avoid a one-size-fits-all approach and ensure accessibility for rural communities and businesses.
   

• Deliver services locally; deliver services at as local a level as possible to ensure they meet local needs and are readily available to the community.
   

• Empower the voluntary and community sector; enhance support and funding for the voluntary and community sector to help deliver vital facilities and services.
   

• Devolve decision making powers; devolve decision making and responsibilities to the most local level, so services are tailored to rural needs.

Chair of the Rural Coalition, Margaret Clark, said:- "Nearly 10 million people live in rural England, more than in Greater London. They should not be unfairly disadvantaged simply because of geography, but must have fair access to jobs, to housing and to basic services. Rural communities will play an important role in choosing who forms the next Government. Addressing their needs and potential means a sea change in the way rural areas are perceived and treated. Achieving the economic and social growth envisaged will only prove possible with sustained effort across Government to tackle the challenges of structural inequalities, fragile infrastructure and economic weaknesses which hold back rural areas."