Brentwood bobbies have been getting in a little high tech training in advance of this year's anti-drink driving campaign.

Officers across the Harlow Division, which includes Brentwood, are being taught how to use the new intoximeter, which provides conclusive proof of the amount of alcohol in the body of drivers testing positive on a roadside breath test.

In charge of the training programme is Brentwood-based Sgt Paul Saunders, who said: "I am actually busy training up officers at the moment in anticipation of a hectic season. We have to be vigilant over this time.

"Obviously, we would rather that people didn't drink and drive at all, but our aim is to reduce road casualties through an active campaign and to ensure that everybody has a good Christmas and doesn't have it ruined by the minority that choose to flout the law."

Across the county Essex Police are vowing to come down even tougher on drink drivers, launching this year's campaign 'One Christmas tradition we can do without' earlier this week.

This year, all drivers involved in collisions, who commit traffic offences, or who are suspected of drinking alcohol anywhere in Essex will be required to take a breath test.

Anyone proving positive may find themselves disqualified from driving for a minimum of 12 months before Christmas Day itself even arrives, thanks to a new fast track court system.

Chief Insp Tom Diment, operations manager for road policing for Essex Police, said: "Christmas is meant to be season of peace and joy. I regret that there are still some drivers who drink and drive, which may turn this Christmas, and those to come, into a time of sadness and sorrow.

"The police will be doing everything possible to reduce this prospect for Essex families through our clampdown on drinking and driving."

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