Devon and Cornwall Police's Christmas drink and drug driving campaign sees 207 arrested
166 were for drink driving and 41 were for driving with excess drugs
Last updated 18th Jan 2022
A total of 207 arrests were made as part of Christmas drink and drug driving crackdown across Devon and Cornwall.
The annual Christmas drink and drug drive campaign saw the local police force target those who drive while under the influence.
The campaign - which ran between Wednesday 1 December 2021 and Saturday 1 January 2022 - was an increase on the equivalent period the previous year that saw a total of 193 drink and drug drive arrests.
Of the 207 arrests made, 166 were for drink driving and 41 were for driving with excess drugs.
Superintendent Adrian Leisk, of the alliance roads policing team, said: "Those charged throughout the campaign were not necessarily your ‘usual’ suspects.
"Too many people who are otherwise law-abiding citizens, fail to consider the untold devastation that drink and drug driving can cause.
"The highest reading came from a 44-year-old man who was arrested at 3.00pm on New Year’s Eve – he blew 140 micrograms per millilitre of breath which is four times the legal limit, and rang in the New Year sitting alone in a police cell in our Exeter custody suite.
"This year, we have placed a greater emphasis on encouraging those planning a night out to think about how they’re getting home. I would like to thank the venues that took part in our ‘Lift Legend’ campaign for their supporting in helping to keep their customers and wider road users safe.
"In the past I have been the person knocking on the door to inform relatives that their loved one has been killed as a result of a motorist who thinks it is okay to get behind the wheel while under the influence. This is something that I do not want my team to have to do during the festive period, or any other time of year.
"As in previous years, I would like to thank those members of the public who called us to report a drink driver. Our enforcement efforts will of course continue all year round and intelligence from the public is invaluable in keeping Devon and Cornwall’s roads safe."
Superintendent Adrian Leisk - Devon and Cornwall Police
During the campaign, the Force encouraged those out enjoying a drink during the festive period to plan how to get home without driving.
The ‘Lift Legend’ campaign was launched, which saw Devon and Cornwall Police partner with over 110 venues across the two counties to offer free drinks to those who agreed to be the designated driver for their group.
Motorists were reminded of the potential consequences of driving while under the influence and the continuing effects that alcohol and drugs can have the morning after.
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is also the APCC national lead for road safety and chairman of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership.
Commissioner Hernandez said: "There is absolutely no excuse for drink or drug driving and I was shocked to see how many people were dealt with for this offence throughout the festive period.
"Drink and drug driving is a choice people take which endangers lives and it is completely unacceptable.
"Those who are caught face losing their license and potentially their jobs and livelihoods – as well as potentially causing death or serious injury to themselves or others. It’s just not worth it.
"I’d like to thank those officers who gave up their Christmas and New Year to help keep Devon and Cornwall safe, as well as those residents who provided information to the police to help them do their job."
Alison Hernandez - Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
Devon and Cornwall Police say if you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to please dial 999 immediately with the vehicle information and direction of travel.
For non-urgent matters, or to pass information about someone who regularly drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please go to www.dc.police.uk or call 101.