Dorset sees fall in drink and drug drivers this Christmas
85 people were arrested throughout December
There's been a drop in the number of people being arrested for drink and drug driving in Dorset.
85 motorists were detained during the Christmas crackdown last month.
Of those, 57 were stopped on suspicion of drink driving, 22 on suspicion of drug driving and six for failing to provide a sample.
The figures for 2022 are down from 110 arrests in the festive campaign the year before.
Dorset Police have also broken down the results of the latest campaign even further.
63 of the arrests made on suspicion of driving under the influence of drink or drugs were men, and 16 were women.
The youngest was 18, and the oldest was 70, with the average age being around 55 years old.
Superintendent Chris Naughton, of the specialist operations department, said:
“Too many people who are otherwise law-abiding citizens, fail to consider the untold devastation that drink and drug driving can cause – those arrested were not necessarily your ‘usual’ suspects.
“Our figures show a 23% reduction in the number of arrests this year versus last year, showing our relentless pursuit of criminality is working and our crime prevention message is getting through to drivers.
“This year, we continued to place 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 support 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 Dorset’s roads safe.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said:
“I am pleased to see a reduction in the number of people arrested for drink and drug driving during the winter campaign. Dorset Police is working hard day in, day out, to target those who choose to take the risk and get behind the wheel under the influence and their hard work is paying off.
“There is no excuse for road users to drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. It is extremely dangerous and those who choose to break the law are not only putting themselves at risk but others too.”
We're asked to report anyone who's suspected of drink or drug driving to Dorset Police to them.
Call 999 immediately if it's an ongoing situation, telling officers about the vehicle and the direction of travel.
We're asked to contact 101 if it's a non-urgent matter.