Police have revealed how many arrests they have made over the festive period as part of a crackdown on drink and drug-driving.
At the start of December, Devon and Cornwall Police launched its Lift Legend campaign, in which designated drivers were entitled to a free soft drink in almost 80 participating venues in a bid to tackle drink and drug-driving.
Drunk and drug driving is one of the ‘fatal five’ causes of serious injuries and deaths on roads in the south west.
Last winter 952 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
During the month-long operation, which ended on January 1, 2024, Devon and Cornwall Police used its social media channels to raise awareness of the dangers involved with drink and drug driving, carried out intelligence-led checks and engaged with motorists on the risks of getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or taking drugs.
And on December 30, the force revealed how many people had been arrested since December 1.
In an update, a spokesperson said: “This December, we have arrested 141 people on suspicion of drink driving and 74 on suspicion of drug driving.
“Anyone caught drink or drug driving, faces a minimum 12 month driving ban, an unlimited fine and a criminal record.
“So, if you’re planning to have a few drinks this weekend, make sure you plan your journey home – don’t drink and drive.”
The force had already shown that festivities make no difference when it comes to upholding the law.
Posting in the early hours of Christmas Day, the Devon and Cornwall Police Roads Policing Team posted on X, formerly Twitter, about an arrest that night.
Despite “trying to be in the festive mood”, the team were forced to make a stop in Truro and leave the person behind the wheel no long driving home for Christmas due to multiple offences.
The team said: “Trying to be in the festive mood but when you drive with an expired MOT, no insurance and expired non EU licence there's only one thing we can do. One motorist found this out this evening.”
They went on to explain that the vehicle had been seized as a result.
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