Dozens arrested in first week of county drink and drug driving campaign
Dozens of motorists have been arrested in Leicestershire and Rutland for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in just the first week of a winter police campaign.
The county force say they have detained 33 drink-drivers and eight drug-drivers, including one who was more than three times the legal limit.
This year’s drink/drug-drive campaign has been launched earlier to coincide with the World Cup with so many people enjoying a drink while watching the televised football from Qatar.
Jonathan Clarkson, spokesperson for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership, said: “Despite our repeated warnings this is a very disappointing start to our latest campaign.
"Over 40 drivers have made the wrong decision to get behind the wheel while over the limit and been willing to put themselves and other innocent people at risk.”
While 25 of the arrests have been made in Leicester city, a number of drivers have also been detained across Leicestershire county and Rutland.
Police have sent out a message encouraging drivers to enjoy the football responsibly and, if they are out celebrating with friends at their homes or at pubs in the area, to think about how they will get home safely.
Anyone who sees someone who appears to be a drink or drug driver enter a vehicle to drive away is asked to make a note of the registration plate and the direction of travel and call their local police on 101 or to make a make a free and anonymous call to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.