Police target airport drink drivers after deaths

Motorists leaving an airport are being breathalysed by police trying to clamp down on drink driving.

Durham and Northumbria Police launched the operation following the deaths of eight-month-old Zackery Blades and his aunt Karlene Warner, who were killed by a drink driver in May.

The forces have teamed up to catch drivers who are over the limit as they leave Newcastle Airport.

Det Con Natalie Horner said she wanted people to know the roads around the airport were "no longer a get-out zone" for those flaunting the rules.

"We know people often have an airport pint or maybe continue to drink on the aeroplane," she said.

"We want to show people that we will not bypass you, you will get captured if you decide to get off a plane and drive home."

It is the first time a north-east England police force has tested motorists as they leave an airport.

During the operation, a motorcycle officer stopped drivers as they left the airport car park.

They were taken to a nearby street where they were breathalysed by officers to test them for alcohol and drugs.

The scheme has been launched to coincide with the Christmas holiday period, and will continue during February and Easter school breaks and the summer holidays.

"We don't want to see people failing as that means everybody is abiding by the rules," said Det Con Horner.

"I don't want to see anybody arrested. That makes us happy as we know the roads are going to be safe."

Operation Takeoff has been carried out in memory of Zackary and Ms Warner.

The pair died when Darryl Anderson crashed into their car on the A1(M), after he left the airport.

Anderson, from Rotherham, was taking a picture of himself while driving at 140mph when he crashed.

He was jailed for 17 years for causing death by dangerous driving.

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