Warm weather brings out drinking drivers

A spate of drink-driving charges, including an L-plater allegedly driving without an instructor and over the limit, has sparked a crackdown by police.

The warmer weather is being blamed for an increase in drink-drivers in the South West and police have pledged to take strong action.

In one incident last week, a 27-year-old learner driver was allegedly recorded with a blood alcohol level of 0.09. The woman was charged with contravening her learner's permit by not having an instructor in the car and being in excess of 0.08.

It followed a spate of drink-driving incidents in the area, according to Australind police officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Mark Smith.

He said in the week up to Friday his officers had 12 traffic incidents resulting in court appearances, with eight of them involving drink-drivers. Two were charged with driving under the influence and six with being in excess of 0.08.

Sen. Sgt Smith said the drink-driving behaviour was unacceptable.

"The significant increase in drink-driving detection is disappointing," he said. "It's no coincidence that the warmer weather is resulting in more socialising and more incidents. People just need to make the right choices and not put themselves and others at risk."

He said his officers would remain focused and proactive on stopping drink-drivers.

"The response from police will be reflective of the increase in drink-driving offences being detected," he said.

"We'll have more drink-driving operations and that could even be at six in the morning."

South West police Supt. Peter Hatch has echoed warnings, promising an increased police effort on drink-driving.

"We've instructed everyone to get on deck, not only for drink-drivers, but for drug-driving," Supt. Hatch said. "The increase in incidents should serve as a warning out there that anyone driving under the influence of either will be caught."

He said it was a natural temptation to drive after drinking in summer and around the Christmas season, but people needed to make the right decision.