WILTSHIRE POLICE: You can save someone's life by reporting drink driving this Christmas
They've launched their annual festive awareness campaign
Last updated 23rd Dec 2020
Wiltshire Police are urging people to report suspected drink and drug driving this Christmas.
The national month of action is aiming to reduce the number of fatalities and road traffic accidents that happen in the county at this time of the year.
They say that the public reporting suspected offenders is vital in getting these people off the roads.
Increased operations will take place across Wiltshire, focusing on intelligence-led traffic stops, targeting flagged motorists.
Meanwhile, roads policing officers will be doing more patrols across the region.
Inspector Mark Freeman, head of roads policing unit, said:
"Of course all police officers are trained to spot the signs of a driver who may be intoxicated and will always take action if they have suspicions about someone’s manner of driving.
But, good quality local intelligence from members of the public allows us to target our resources on those who pose the greatest risk.
Sometimes people will report a one-off incident in progress, for example, if they have seen someone leave a pub drunk and get straight into their car to drive home.
But we also need information about those regular offenders, who perhaps always drink at the same establishment and drive the same route every Friday evening. If you have concerns about someone who you believe is drink or drug driving then please call us - you could be saving someone’s life this Christmas."
If you know someone who regularly drink or drug drives, then call 101 and give as much information as possible, including the driver’s details or description, their car registration and a time or day that they always do it.
MESSAGING HAD TO CHANGE
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the way people drink and socialise has changed and will be different over the festive period.
This means that Wiltshire Police had to change their campaign messaging.
Sergeant Neil Bott said:
"In previous years our annual Christmas campaign would have been heavily focused on people attending parties or social gatherings, reminding them to arrange lifts home or book taxis in advance.
However, this year we know there will be different challenges with regards to drink driving. We know that more people will be drinking at home, perhaps dialling into virtual parties or activities.
Therefore, we need to remind people that any consumption of alcohol, no matter what the social setting or circumstances, could be enough to put you over the legal limit and you need to be mindful of exactly how much you are drinking and whether you should be driving.
Also, you need to remember that alcohol stays in your system for a number of hours, so you may need to be cautious about driving the next morning as well."
ARRESTS MADE ALREADY
The force have confirmed that they have already made numerous arrests across the county for drink or drug drive offences.
One of these was a 36 year old woman from Salisbury was found driving the wrong way down Rollestone Street, a one way road, shortly before 1:15am this morning (Thursday 3rd December).
After being stopped by officers, she failed to provide a specimen of breath before assaulting one of them.
She was then arrested on suspicion of failing to provide a specimen of breath, assaulting an emergency worker, criminal damage, obstructing a police officer and driving a vehicle otherwise than in accordance of a licence.
The woman was taken to Melksham Police Station for questioning.
Meanwhile, at around 2am this morning, officers in Tidworth stopped a vehicle.
A 37 year old man from the town has now been charged with driving while over the legal alcohol limit, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.
Julian Marchant, of Sidbury Circular Road, has been released on unconditional bail to appear in court in February.
WARNING TO HAMPSHIRE DRIVERS
Like all other forces across the country, Hampshire Police have launched their Christmas campaign too.
Operation Holly will see officers from the county's force and Thames Valley Police's Roads Policing Unit run enforcement and educational activity.
During the 2019 campaign, out of 1,049 breath tests carried out in Hampshire, 67 were positive.
Meanwhile, 44 out of 80 drugs wipes were also positive.
Sergeant Scott Kerr, Road Safety Sergeant for Hampshire and Thames Valley Police said:
"Every year we run Operation Holly, with increased focus to stop people drink or drug driving. Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs in your system can impair your ability to drive and in the most serious cases, it could result in families facing a future without their loved ones.
This year, with the restrictions imposed by the government as a result of the pandemic, it is important that if you drink at home it is done sensibly and responsibly. In licensed premises such as pubs and restaurants, they serve measured amounts of alcohol.
However, at home it is unlikely that you measure exactly how much alcohol you pour into a glass.
Therefore, it is crucial to think about the morning after. It can take hours for alcohol to leave your system after drinking, so it may still not be safe for you to drive.
As importantly, some drugs can stay in your system for a considerable amount of time."