THE rising number of young drink-drivers detected by Essex Police makes a sad statistic. The increase is no blip, but a spectacular leap – the number has almost doubled year-on-year.

The news is particularly lamentable since this is the age-group that, until now, has proved most intolerant toward drink-driving.

It is too early to state with any confidence just what has gone wrong. What is needed now is close research into the causes, followed by the sort of targeted marketing campaign that in the past has helped to vilify and drastically reduce drink driving.

It does seem unlikely, however, that this is an isolated phenomenon. Common sense suggests it is linked to other well publicised issues including binge-drinking and cheap drink. A report published at the start of the week suggests the drinks industry is failing to police itself adequately and application of the voluntary code of practice is slipping badly.

As a warning shot, to prove it really does mean business the Government should ban the practice of happy hours, a great misnomer in view of the carnage they cause.