441 arrested for DUI and speeding

2 January 2012 09:56 am

A total of 441 persons were arrested for speeding and driving under the influence of liquor. A total of 159 road accidents were reported to the police. The operations were carried out between 6.00am on December 31 and 6.00am on January 1st.

The Police media spokesman Ajith Rohana said that 180 were arrested mainly during operations in Kelaniya, Chilaw and Puttalam for speeding.

The rest of those arrested were from Nugegoda, Mount Lavinia, Colombo and Kelaniya police areas for driving after consuming alcohol.

Police said 37 accidents resulted in serious injuries and 65 accidents caused damage to property.

Police deployed its maximum strength to arrest individuals for speeding and drunk driving during New Year celebrations. Road and foot patrols were carried out extensively in Colombo and its suburbs during the Christmas season and also during the New Years eve.

A rise in road accidents was reported during this season in comparison to those reported in 2010. (Supun Dias)