Police arrest 68 local drivers for being over the limit in first half of December
Police have already arrested 68 motorists across Leicestershire and Rutland this month for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
That worrying figure is already on course to beat last year’s 115 total during the county police’s annual December campaign to clamp down on the offence during the festive party season.
Halfway through the month, officers have so far taken into custody 40 drink-drivers, 21 who failed a drugs test and a further seven who failed to provide a sample.
Police say that 25 of those detained were following a road traffic collision.
One of the 68 arrests was made when a driver recorded a roadside test which was four times the legal alcohol limit.
The slogan for this year’s campaign is to urge motorists to have ‘None for the Road’ if out celebrating over the festive period and to instead book a taxi, use public transport or identify a sober designated driver.
Ch Insp Wayne Nimblette, head of road policing unit at Leicestershire Police, said: “Those who drive whilst under the influence of drink and/or drugs have a significantly higher risk of being involved in a serious collision.
"They are also more likely to be involved in wider criminality.
“Their propensity for risk indicates they are more likely to engage in other high risk unlawful activity likely to impact negatively on the general public.
“Just because you haven’t been out at the pub – drinking at home can still leave you over the limit, including the morning after, can I remind drivers not to put themselves and others at risk by choosing to have None for the Road.
“Drivers should be aware that Leicestershire Police patrol 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week to challenge drink drug drivers and bring them before the courts.”
Latest government data reveals that between 290 and 320 people are killed annually in vehicle collisions involving drivers over the legal alcohol limit and approximately one in five fatal road collisions involve a driver or rider impaired by alcohol or drugs.
If you see someone who appears to be a drink or drug driver enter a vehicle to drive away, police advise you to make a note of the registration plate and the direction of travel and call your local police on 101 or anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.