Christmas drink-drive campaign catches more than 100 drivers

MORE than 100 motorists have been arrested by Avon and Somerset Police for drink-driving offences since the launch of a Christmas crackdown at the start of the month – 15 of them in the West Somerset policing area.
The arrested drivers have failed breath tests or refused to provide a specimen, or were driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
With the Christmas party season well under way, police today reminded people not to drink alcohol before driving.
Supt Andy Pullan, head of the road policing unit, said: “There is no failsafe guide as to how to stay under the legal drink-drive limit, or how much you can drink and still drive safely.
“That is why we are urging people to not drink at all if they have a vehicle with them.”
Police have been carrying out high visibility roadside checks across known drink-drive hotspots throughout the force area and at the same time have taken the opportunity to provide law abiding motorists with some car crime prevention advice.
They estimate that officers will have stopped 10,000 motorists by the end of the festive period.
The crackdown is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Association of Chief Police Officers throughout the month of December.
However, Supt Pullan said although there was a focused campaign at this time of the year, the drink-drive message applied on all 365 days of the year.
Supt Pullan said: “Of course, it is recognised that over the festive period there is a greater risk, which is why we are putting extra resources in place throughout the next six weeks.
“But it will not stop there and our efforts will continue throughout the year.”
Anybody with information about drink-drivers should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give their name and could receive a reward.
In urgent cases where it is suspected somebody is driving or about to drive while drunk and thereby putting life at risk, people should dial 999.

• Our photograph shows a roadside breath test being carried out by a police officer. Photo submitted.