The police’s Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving has already resulted in 35 arrests, with more than two weeks to go.
It was launched on 1 December. A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Since then, we’ve increased patrols with officers working round the clock in search for people who are driving whilst under the influence of drugs or over the drink drive limit.”
Here’s a breakdown of the arrests in the first 12 days of the operation:
- 19 for drink driving offences
- 16 for drug driving offences
- 32 men
- Three women
- Ten arrests aged 25 and under
- Nine arrests aged 26-35
- 12 arrests aged 36-45
- Four arrests aged 46-60.
Most of the arrests have come via the police roadside checkpoints which can take place anywhere in the county at any time of day or night.
Officers say many people fall foul of still being over the limit the morning after a night out, or in the case of drugs several days later.
Inspector Clive Turner from our Roads Policing Group said: “Our preferred option is to educate people about the risks which we try to do via the public campaign messaging and talks.
“The launch of this year’s video on 1 December shows the harrowing impact of making the wrong choice. To date it’s had almost 100,000 views.
“Sadly though enforcement is the only option for some people. There is no let-up, we will be back out this weekend utilising our intelligence systems ensuring that we are in the hotspot areas to target those who drink or drug drive.”
