Message goes unheeded

DESPITE free public transport and campaigns encouraging designated drivers, police are concerned that people aren't getting the message to not drink and drive.

DESPITE free public transport and campaigns encouraging designated drivers, Ipswich police remain concerned that people simply aren't getting the message to not drink and drive.

Ipswich police Inspector Keith McDonald said in the early hours of January 1 police caught six drunk drivers in the space of 30 minutes.

"There was one driver there with a reading of 0.157 and another with 0.133, and one there to be processed who'd driven from the Gold Coast.

"We're concerned the message about drinking and driving isn't getting through."

According to Insp McDonald, 13 people were arrested for drink driving in the 24-hour period leading up to 6am Sunday morning.

He said the number was well above usual, with eight of those caught on the motorway despite lower than average traffic.

Insp McDonald said while there were a high number of alcohol related incidents across the board over New Year's Eve, generally Ipswich was well behaved.

"Overall everybody behaved themselves pretty well.

"To get a high number of drink drivers on the night probably falls in line with how people chose to celebrate the night."

Originally published as Message goes unheeded