Police Chief blasts 'unacceptable' levels of drink-driving

Friday, 15 May 2026 14:58

There were nine drink-drive convictions in Jersey last week alone, resulting in driving bans totalling more than 15 years and fines of £5,000.

Jersey's Police Chief has issued a blunt warning about the recent rise in drink driving.

Robin Smith says that, as well as it being a serious offence, there are ' very real risks' involved.

Of the nine cases, five resulted in immediate sentences, including jail time. Four people pleaded guilty and will return to court at a later date for sentencing.

“We have seen the tragic consequences of serious collisions on this island — incidents that have had an impact across the whole community, not to mention the families and friends directly affected.

"Against that backdrop, it is hard to understand why anyone would continue to take this risk.”

Figures show that during 2025, there were 116 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol, resulting in 79 convictions.

So far in 2026, there have been 36 arrests, with 33 charges brought to date.

States of Jersey Police says that analysis of local data shows that drink-driving incidents tend to increase during the spring and summer months, when people are more likely to socialise, attend events and make spontaneous decisions about travel.

It will be supporting the next phase of the 'Get Home Safe' campaign over the coming months, working with partners across the island to encourage people to plan, use safe transport options and look out for friends.

The campaign will focus on simple, practical choices such as arranging a lift, using buses or taxis, or planning a route home in advance.