Police in Belfast made eleven arrests for drink-driving offences over the past weekend, with ten of those individuals subsequently charged to court.

The arrests have prompted a renewed warning from police about the dangers of driving under the influence and a reminder of the "Fatal Five" behaviours that contribute to road traffic collisions.

Road Safety Lead for Belfast, Chief Inspector Pete Cunningham, expressed his concern: "Worryingly, we are continuing to detect drivers drink/drug driving, which is alarming, as this places so many other road users in danger. We all share the responsibility to prevent deaths and serious injuries on our roads."

He added: "That’s why we are appealing to drivers to remember the ‘Fatal Five’ and how to avoid them. Don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone while driving."

Chief Inspector Cunningham provided details of several recent arrests:

• Following a report of an attempted car theft in the University Avenue area shortly before 7:45 pm on Monday, 5th May, a 19-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit, kidnapping, taking a motor vehicle without authority, and using a motor vehicle without insurance. He remained in police custody on Tuesday afternoon, assisting with enquiries. • In a separate incident, a 69-year-old man was arrested in the Cumberland Road area of Dundonald shortly after 4:50 pm on Monday. He has since been charged with driving with excess alcohol in breath and is expected to appear before Newtownards Magistrates' Court on 3rd June.

• A 32-year-old man was arrested in the Divis Street area of west Belfast shortly after 9:05 pm on Monday evening. He has been charged with driving with excess alcohol in breath and is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on 3rd June.

• In north Belfast, a 33-year-old man was arrested in the North Queen Street area shortly before 11:50 pm on Monday. He has been charged with excess alcohol in breath and is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on 7th May.

• Early on Tuesday morning, 6th May, shortly before 1:30 am, a 19-year-old man was arrested by officers on patrol in the Bruce Street area of south Belfast. He has been charged with excess alcohol in breath and is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on 2nd June.

Chief Inspector Cunningham confirmed that an additional six people were also charged to court following reports of drink-driving offences over the weekend. He stated that, as is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

"I would like my message to be clear; drink driving is a crime, and Police are continuing to be proactive in detecting those people who commit this offence," Chief Inspector Cunningham warned.

"Reducing deaths and serious injury on our roads is a priority for us, and every single person who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, after drinking or taking drugs are putting other road users and themselves at serious risk. Just one drink can impair decision making. Just one drink can cause a collision. Just one drink could kill."