Police reveal number of arrests made during drink and drug driving operation
The stats have seen a 20 per cent increase on the same week of Operation Tonic compared with 2022
Avon and Somerset Police have revealed the stats from their latest road safety operation, which took place last month.
Operation Tonic, which typically runs twice a year, ran between 21-27 August this year, during the final weeks of the summer holidays.
The operation, which is part of a national campaign, aims to tackle drink and drunk driving, in a bid to reduce the number of serious and fatal road traffic collisions across the region.
During the week, it has now been revealed that 61 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs.
This number represents an increase of a fifth, compared to the same week in 2022 - despite the warnings by the force in the time leading up to the week, and during the week, about the dangers of driving under the influence.
They say there 'is no safe way to drive under the influence', especially as drink or drugs played a role in a third of all RTCs on the roads across the Avon and Somerset policing area in 2021.
They involved the deaths of 12 people, all of whom had families, friends and loved ones whose lives will be forever impacted.
During the week for 2023, it has now been revealed that drink driving accounted for 40 of the offences, and drug driving for 21.
Patrols were carried out by roads policing, neighbourhood officers and special constables, whose efforts were supported by the public with numerous reports of people drink or drug driving submitted by telephone and via the Avon and Somerset Police website.
The police have shared the story of one particular instance over the week which involved a 12 week old cocker spaniel puppy.
On Sunday 27 September, several 999 calls were made by concerned motorists reporting a van driving erratically on the M5 near junction 20.
Officers were called out to the driver, and when they managed to get the car to stop, the driver was seen holding a mobile phone and appeared to be on a call.
He was breathalysed, arrested and subsequently charged with using a handheld mobile device whilst driving a motor vehicle on a road and driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level was above the limit.
A 12-week-old cocker spaniel puppy who was being transported in the vehicle was taken into the care of a local vet overnight while his owner was held in custody.
In addition to drink and drug drive offences, the operation also resulted in several other road related and criminal offences being detected and dealt with, including speeding, driving without a licence or insurance, illegal drugs possession and going equipped to steal.
Chief Inspector Rob Cheeseman, Head of Road Policing and Road Safety at Avon and Somerset Police said: “In a single week, 61 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, it's 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.
“As we head into the autumn, we are not easing up on our campaign against drink or drug drivers – keeping our roads safe is our priority every day of the year.
“I am grateful for the support of the general public who are helping us to target offenders by sharing information when they suspect drink or drug driving is happening. 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.”
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 whilst under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
During this summer’s operation, drivers in the 35-44 age group accounted for around a third (20) of arrests, followed by 25-34-year-olds (19) and under-25-year-olds (15 arrests). 83 per cent of all those arrested were male.
Information about drink/drug drivers can be reported online or by calling 101 (always 999 in an emergency and if someone is currently driving under the influence of drink or drugs).
Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Independent alcohol advice, information, and tools to help people make better choices about their drinking can be found on the Drinkaware website.
Read more: Police operation to tackle drink and drug driving launches across Avon and Somerset