Police arrest seven drink-drivers in Melton area over festive season

And another motorist was arrested in the town for being under the influence of drugs while at the wheel.

Across the county as a whole, there were 132 arrests for drink or drug-driving, with 104 of them relating to excess alcohol.

The total was down on last December’s figures but officers said it was still very concerning since there was a Covid-19 lockdown this winter, licensed premises were closed and there was reduced traffic on the roads.

Graham Compton, senior traffic management officer for Leicestershire Police said: “Despite the Road Safety Partnership working tirelessly to dissuade drivers from using the highway when under the influence of drink or drugs owing to the very real road safety implications, far too many drivers are ignoring all the advice and taking to the road thereby putting themselves and more importantly innocent road users at risk of injury.

“Leicestershire Police will continue to screen drivers following a collision or when dealing with a moving traffic offence, with a view to removing dangerous drivers from our roads.”

Of the Melton figures, seven of the arrests were made in Melton and the other was in Burrough-on-the-Hill.

Across the county, 120 of the detainees were male drivers and 25 were taken into custody following a collision.

All drivers convicted of drink or drug-driving will incur at the very least a 12 month driving ban thereby in many cases putting their livelihood at risk.