Police Launch Xmas Drink & Drug Drive Campaign

Police are launching their annual Christmas drink and drug drive campaign across the Hfm Region.

In Northamptonshire, for the first time, officers will be naming and shaming everyone charged over the next month.

Random check-points will be set-up during the campaign

81 people were caught drunk or under the influence of drugs in the county last December and in Leicestershire there were 99 arrests – double the amount in 2016 – including five following crashes in the Harborough District.

Officers say more routine stop-checks will be carried out and they’re urging people who know someone who regularly drives after drinking, or under the influence, of drugs to report them.

PC Dave Lee from the Safer Roads Team, said: “As a police officer on the roads, I have seen the devastating effects drink and drug driving can have. It only takes one second to have a collision that can change your life or the life of an innocent bystander and their family – a family who will then have to live for the rest of their lives knowing their loved one was killed by someone over the limit.

“When the temptation to take that risk and get behind the wheel strikes, ask yourself – could you live with knowing your actions had caused a fatal collision and the devastation of an entire family?

“This year, in Northamptonshire, we will be naming the drivers who are happy to take this risk and we will be out in force across the month of December, ready and waiting to seek strong penalties for all those found to be offending. Please make sure your name is not included on our list.”

To report suspected drink or drug driving in confidence, call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615 or dial 101. In an emergency, call 999.