Hundreds arrested for drink and drug driving over festive period
Avon and Somerset Police have released the stats of their latest policing operation
Hundreds of drivers across the Avon and Somerset policing area have been arrested over the festive period - as part of the force's operation to tackle drink and drug driving.
In total, 324 drivers were taken in for driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs as part of a national operation, aimed at reducing fatal and serious crashes - and protecting other road users, which ran during the month of December.
The stats represent a 10 per cent increase on the number of arrests made during the same period in 2022, with drink driving accounting for 68 per cent of the offences, and drug driving for 32 per cent.
Officers used a combination of stop check sites, intelligence, public reports, and proactive patrols during this time, and stopped around 2000 drivers.
Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: “Over the festive period, 324 drivers have been taken off the road before they could cause harm through drink or drug driving.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal, but also a reckless and dangerous choice that puts lives at risk. The consequences of such decisions can be catastrophic, causing irreversible harm and heartache to families and loved ones.
“I would like to thank the public who are helping us to target those people that they suspect are drink or drug driving. By doing this, you are helping us to reinforce the message that getting behind the wheel while under the influence is never acceptable. Together we are keeping the roads of Avon and Somerset safer.”
“I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of our teams who work tirelessly to keep our roads safe, and will continue to do so throughout the year.”
Community intelligence was key
Police say intelligence received by them from the community formed a 'key part' of their strategy this year to target dangerous drivers.
One such report was received from a 999 call on Sunday 3 December, after a concerned motorist witnessed a vehicle being driven erratically on the M5 near junction 25. After officers located and stopped the vehicle, the driver was breathalysed, arrested and subsequently charged with driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level was above the legal limit. He appeared in court on Thursday 21 December and received a 20-month disqualification from driving and a £120 fine.
It's been revealed that those aged between 25-34 accounted for 30 per cent of the arrests, followed by those aged 35-44 accounting for 26 per cent of the arrests.
These were followed by those aged between 45-54 (17 per cent) and those under 25 (17 per cent). Four in five of those arrested were male (79 per cent).
The Bristol area saw 27 per cent of the arrests, while Somerset West had 24 per cent of the arrests and South Gloucestershire had 16 per cent of the arrests.
Drivers risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving while above the legal limit. Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of alcohol carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Information about drink/drug drivers can be reported online or by calling 101.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
Independent alcohol advice, information, and tools to help people make better choices about their drinking can be found here.
Read more: Police reveal number of arrests made during drink and drug driving operation