Double the amount of drug drivers apprehended on Gloucestershire's roads
This is despite several restrictions
Last updated 20th Jan 2021
It's been revealed there were twice the amount of drug drivers on the roads in Gloucestershire over the Christmas period.
That's despite pubs being forced to close, Christmas plans severely restricted, new years eve parties cancelled and people being told not to travel unless it is essential.
According to Gloucestershire Police, 70 people were arrested for drug driving offences compared to 36 people during the same operation last year
The force say during their annual winter crackdown a further 60 people were arrested for drink driving offences, compared to 61 last year.
In total, 130 people were arrested for drink or drug driving related offences over the course of the Constabulary's winter anti-drink and drug drive campaign. This is compared to 98 people arrested the previous year during the same period.
Chief Inspector Al Barby said: "Throughout the various tier changes last month our teams were out on the roads conducting breath tests and drugs wipes in order to keep Gloucestershire roads safe by removing dangerous drivers.
“Our roads policing officers, supported by the Special Constabulary, response and local policing teams, did a fantastic job in covering every part of the county.
“Seeing this number of arrests is however disappointing as it shows there’s still a small but stubborn section of society who won’t listen to our warnings and continue to drive under the influence, putting their own and others’ lives at risk.
“I want these people to know that we will be continuing roadside operations throughout the year and that if they ignore the possible consequences of drink and drug driving then we will arrest them and they will be taken to court.”
Of those 130 people arrested during the campaign 43 have been charged and are due to attend Cheltenham Magistrates Court, where penalties can include custodial sentences, unlimited fines and lengthy driving bans.
Operation restraint ran throughout December 2020 and included pro-actively stopping vehicles and seeking out dangerous driving on the county's roads, supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner’s commitment to Safe and Social Roads.
The final number of breath tests carried out was 883.