Seventy-two people have been killed and 1,081 injured in 850 road accidents nationwide since Poles hit the road in droves at the end of last month for an extended break from work.

Police said on Monday that they have stopped 3,582 drink-drivers since April 27.

Robert Opas from Poland’s police headquarters said: "The last 24 hours turned out to be the most tragic - 11 people died."

Police stepped up checks and appealed to drivers to keep their speed down as major roads were expected to clog up with vehicles on Sunday, the last day of the extended May break.

With May 1 (Labour Day) and May 3 (Constitution Day) public holidays, many Polish families decided to take the entire week off, encouraged by fine weather.

(pk)

Source: PAP