Thames Valley Police encourage public to report drink and drug drivers
Statistics reveal more than 400 people have been arrested in December alone
Last updated 10th Jan 2025
Thames Valley Police are urging the public to “save lives” by reporting anyone they think could be getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It comes as the force has revealed 432 people have been arrested across the region for crimes related to drink or drug driving during the festive period.
"It can lead to some very tragic consequences"
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Bettington said: “People don't plan how they're getting home, and we just need to make it a habitual part of planning a night out.
“Get a taxi, get train, get a bus, walk if it's safe to do, get picked up, have a designated driver, whatever it is, but just do not get behind that wheel.
“No matter how much you've had or if you think it's going to be ok, it won't be.”
He added: “The smallest amount can have an impact on your ability to perceive distances an react to events in front of you. So, it can lead to some very tragic consequences.”
The figures have been taken from midnight on the 1st December to midnight on 1st January, but the force say it’s a problem “all year-round”.
DCI Bettington said: “Clearly drink driving has been socially unacceptable for quite some time, and those numbers have fallen.
“We've improved our ability to detect drug driving more. So, in the last five to 10 years, we have seen those arrests rise. I suspect that's the volume of people drunk driving has always been there, but our ability to detect it's definitely improved.
“We're seeing pretty much a 50/50 split between drink and drug driving, which is concerning and that's what we'll continue to tackle.”
'Those people helped save lives'
Thames Valley Police are “grateful” to the public for reporting “incidents of suspected drink or drug driving” and are encouraging more people to continue reporting.
“A good proportion of those numbers that got arrested last month are off the back of information the public have kindly told us and that's really key.
“Ultimately those people can be really pleased and proud that they've effectively helped save lives”, says DCI Bettington.