25 Crashes Linked To Drink and Drug Drive Arrests

Ninety-four people have now been arrested during the first four weeks of Leicestershire Police’s summer campaign targeting drink and drug drivers.

The figures include 70 arrests for suspected drink driving, 17 for drug driving and seven for failing to provide a breath or drug sample.

Among those detained were three men arrested on suspicion of drink driving after being stopped in Great Bowden, Lubenham and West Langton. A woman was also arrested on suspicion of drug driving in Market Harborough.

Police say 25 of the arrests followed road traffic collisions, including one driver who was nearly four times the legal alcohol limit. Officers also arrested 13 motorists between 5am and midday, highlighting the dangers of driving the morning after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

Those arrested range in age from young drivers to pensioners. Sixteen were aged 24 or under, while the oldest person arrested was 82. Eleven women have also been arrested during the campaign.

The operation coincides with the FIFA World Cup and runs until Sunday 19 July, with officers continuing to carry out patrols across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Chief Inspector Jodie White said too many people were still choosing to drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, putting themselves and others at serious risk.

She urged anyone planning to watch World Cup matches or attend summer events to make travel arrangements in advance by choosing a designated driver, booking a taxi, using public transport or opting for alcohol-free alternatives.

“Our officers will continue to be out on patrol day and night, targeting those who put lives at risk on our roads,” she said.