Police in the East Midlands give drink drive warning this New Years Eve
It comes as part of Leicestershire Police's winter campaign.
As New Years Eve celebrations get underway across the East Midlands, we're being warned by police not to drink and drive.
The message comes as part of Leicestershire Police's winter campaign.
In just over six weeks, the force have arrested 90 and 24 drug drivers, along with 6 who failed to provide a breath sample.
26 of these were following a crash.
While 67 arrests were made in Leicester city (48 drink, 14 drug and 5 fails), drivers have also been detained in our more rural towns and villages.
104 of those who were stopped were male and 16 females, ranging in age from 16-74.
Jonathan Clarkson is from the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership and said:
"Public transport is going to be limited on New Year's Eve, however, I would definitely advise people to book a taxi, book an Uber, or failing that, identify a sober designated driver.
"Don't get yourself in a situation where you think 'I've got my keys, I'll risk it.'
"120 people so far have risked it, and they face now going into 2023 with a criminal conviction, which is not a great start to the new year"
This year's campaign ends on 1st January, however, Police say they'll continue to arrest those drivers who choose to put themselves and the lives of other innocent people at risk.
The law
Drink driving penalties may include:
- A minimum 12 month driving ban
- A criminal record
- A hefty fine
- Up to six months in prison
- An endorsement on your driving licence for 11 years
Additional consequences may include:
- Higher car insurance costs
- Job loss and employment issues
- A criminal record
- A loss of independence
- Difficulty travelling to other countries e.g. US and Australia