Arrests for festive drink and drug driving revealed

Police are continuing to remind people not to take the risk of drink or drug driving, as they reveal how many people were arrested for doing so in Greater Manchester over the festive period.

Greater Manchester Police arrested 372 people for drink and drug driving offences during December, including the Christmas and New Year period as part of its ‘None for the Road’ operation.

Officers breathalysed or drug tested 1,414 drivers between 1 December 2019 and 1 January 2020, tackling the potential spike in drink and drug driving in the run-up to the festive season.

Of those tested, 261 were arrested for being over the legal drink drive limit, with an additional 111 arrests made for drivers who tested positive for illegal drug substances.

Chief Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith, who has led this year’s operation, said: “Results from this operation highlight the importance of the ‘None for the Road’ message and I want to reassure the public that although the festive period may have ended, police vigilance has and will remain at the same level throughout 2020 in a bid to crackdown on drink and drug drivers.

“Drink and/ or drug driving can have serious consequences and following on from an increase in serious and fatal collisions in 2019, we have stepped up patrols to tackle individuals who get behind the wheel when they are over the limit.

“I would urge motorists to consider their actions and the impact this can have, to not only their loved ones, but also the loved ones of those who may be innocently caught up in collisions. Make this year the year you pledge #NonefortheRoad.”

Area Manager Paul Fearnhead, from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our firefighters are all too often called to serious road traffic collisions, and unfortunately witness life-changing injuries or death – caused by distractions while driving – of too many people.

“Collisions often occur as a result of distractions like driving too fast, mobile phones, and drink or drug driving, and working closely with Greater Manchester Police we continue to urge people not to take the risk of drink or drug driving – the consequences can be devastating and wreck lives.”

To report a drink or drug driver, you should contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.