A CRACKDOWN on drink-driving is being stepped up by Warwickshire Police during the festive season.
Drivers in the county are being warned they are more than three times as likely to be breath tested this December than any other month.
In December last year, Warwickshire Police stopped 494 motorists suspected of drink driving, compared with 136 in an average month. Of those tested, 41 were over the limit.
And the force has joined the national Operation Limit by calling on friends of drink drivers to prevent, persuade and – as a last resort – report drink driving to police this Christmas.
A Warwickshire Police spokesperson said: “We are asking friends to plan ahead for their night out over the festive period. Who is your designated driver? Can you pre-book a taxi? Can you walk to the venue?
“Can you step in to help someone who’s about to drink drive to get home safely? If that doesn’t work, you can report a drink driver to us so we can stop them, arrest them and get them off the road.”
In just the last week, police have stopped 122 drivers and completed 107 breath tests, and five drug wipes where there is a suspicion a driver may be under the influence of drugs such as cannabis or cocaine.
Sergeant Shaun Bridle said: “Ensuring the roads are as safe as possible for the vast majority of law abiding citizens is a priority for us.
“Drink and drug driving is not acceptable, and we will continue to stop and test as many drivers as possible over the festive period including all drivers that are involved in a collision. The public can also report suspected drink and drug drivers to us on 101. In an emergency please call 999.”
During the first three weeks of the operation, Warwickshire Police has arrested 62 people across the county on suspicion of drink or drug related driving offences.
Recent arrests include:
- A 43 year old woman from Stratford was arrested at around 6.50pm on December 8 on suspicion of drink driving after police were called to a two vehicle collision in Trinity Way, Stratford. The driver of one of the vehicles, a black VW, failed a roadside breath test and was arrested. She stayed in a police cell overnight and, after being charged, was released the next day. She is due to appear at Coventry Magistrates Court on January 9.
- A 34 year old man from Rugby was arrested at around 5.30am on December 10 on suspicion of drink driving after his car collided with a lamppost on the A45 between Rugby and Coventry. He failed a roadside breath test and, after 10 hours in custody, was charged with drink driving to appear before Coventry Magistrates on January 9.
- A 44 year old man from Long Lawford was arrested at around 9.30pm on December 10 on suspicion of drink driving after officers observed his driving and stopped his silver Mercedes. He failed a roadside breath test and, after spending the night in a police cell, was charged with drink driving and driving without a licence. He is due to appear before Coventry Magistrates on January 9.
- A 43 year old woman from Stratford was arrested at around 3.30am on December 11 in Station Road, Long Marston on suspicion of drink driving after a member of the public called police to report a two vehicle collision. She failed a roadside breath test and was held in custody for 12 hours. She was charged to appear at Warwickshire Magistrates Court on February 3.
- A 49 year old man from Leamington was arrested at around 1.10pm on December 6 on suspicion of drink driving after a concerned member of the public called the police. He was arrested at his home address and charged that evening to appear at Coventry Magistrates Court on January 9.
- A 26 year old man from Leamington was arrested at around 12.30pm on December 12 in Heathcote Road, Leamington on suspicion of drug driving when officers stopped his car and he failed a roadside drug test. He has been released pending further tests.
- A 39 year old man from Rugby was arrested at around 3.40am on December 10 on the A4600 in Coventry on suspicion of drink driving, failing to stop, dangerous driving, obstructing a police officer and assault (GBH). He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
