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Police report all-time low drink/drug driving offences
| Published: 5th January 2011 08:58 |
Drink/drug driving arrests have fallen to a new all-time low for the winter period in Avon and Somerset the latest Operation Tonic winter campaign figures have revealed.
During the month-long campaign (December 1 - January 1) under 200 motorists were arrested for drink/drug driving.
The 150 drivers arrested follows more than 31,000 roadside stop checks carried out by police officers across the force area. Of those stopped 2703 were tested for drink or drugs.
The winter campaign figure is the lowest number recorded since Operation Tonic was launched in 2002. That year 329 drivers were arrested but ever since there has been a year-on-year decrease in the number of people arrested for drink/drug driving.
Last year the figure dropped to 202 and following the high-profile summer campaign and publicity in advance of this year's winter event, police were hopeful of a further reduction.
Chief Inspector Polly King of the force's road policing unit said:"We are of course delighted to see a further reduction in those arrested for drink and drug driving.
"However it is still disappointing to see a hardcore of drivers who blatantly ignoring our advice and continuing to drive while under the influence of drink or drugs.
"Our campaign to crack down on drink/drug driving will continue throughout the year, complemented by Operation Tonic summer and winter campaigns to focus the minds of drivers tempted to drive after drinking or taking drugs."
Of particular concern to the police is the fact that 41 drivers - which means that almost one in three arrested were in the 17-25 year age group.
"Our message remains the same - don't drink and drive. But we would also like to take this opportunity to praise the majority of drivers in Avon and Somerset who have listed to Operation Tonic advice to leave the car behind if they intend to drink," said CI King.
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