Israel Police is planning to shut down its anti drunk driving unit in the coming weeks, explaining it no longer has the funds to remain operational. Appeals to Public Security Minister Avi Dichter and Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz have fallen on deaf ears. Both ministers are unwilling to allocate the necessary funds to maintain the unit.

This year alone, 380 people have already lost their lives on the nation’s roads. The commanders of the unit report that since 2006, 3,517 drivers have been arrested for DUI (driving under the influence). An alarming 3,887 drivers have been apprehended while under suspension.

Despite the alarming numbers the unit of 40 officers is shutting down before the end of 2008. This comes in addition to budgetary cuts from Mofaz’s ministry, which Ohr Yarok explains will further hinder the organization’s abilities to fight road deaths and prevent accidents.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)