Derbyshire drink-drivers reported out of 'moral obligation'

Twenty-eight people reported drink-drivers as part of a Christmas campaign in Derbyshire - but none accepted the offer of a possible £1,000 reward.

Crimestoppers offered the money to anyone who provided information which led to an arrest and charge.

Derbyshire Police said it showed people felt they had a "moral obligation" to make the call.

A 44-year-old motorcyclist and 20-year-old driver were charged with drink-driving during the month-long campaign.

Ch Insp Steve Wilson, head of roads policing for Derbyshire Constabulary, said: "It's pleasing to see that even in these difficult times, the people who rang Crimestoppers were not interested in a reward.

"They felt they had a moral obligation to make the call."

The campaign, which ran for the whole of December, aimed to dissuade people from drink-driving by letting them know they could be reported.

A similar campaign the previous year resulted in ten calls to Crimestoppers.

Officers also stopped and gave breath tests to 895 drivers in December 2011, of which 104 drivers either gave a positive test, refused to take the test or failed to provide a sample.

In the early hours of Christmas Eve police received a call that a Land Rover had rolled over at Oakerside, Oker, Matlock, damaging several parked cars. The 20-year-old driver was later charged with drink-driving.

On 15 December a member of the public reported a man looking unwell while sat on a motorbike in Nottingham Road, Ilkeston. The 44-year-old rider failed a breath test and was charged.