Police ‘Shocked’ At Drink/Drug Drive Figures

Police say they are shocked over 150 drivers were caught drunk or under the influence of drugs behind the wheel in Leicestershire last month.

One driver stopped in the Harborough District was found to be six times over the legal drink drive limit – the highest reading in the county for many years – he gave a breath test reading of 230 – the legal limit is 35.

The driver of this pick-up, that crashed on Leicester Road, Market Harborough, was arrested for failing to provide samples for analysis, after Police suspected them of drink-driving. Ironically, it crashed beside a Community Safety Christmas warning sign

122 people were arrested for drink driving – 33 for drug driving – a 56% increase on December 2017.

Police have told Hfm:

• 30 arrests made between 5am and 2pm
• Over 90% of those arrested were male
• 39 of these arrests were made following a road traffic collision
• 37 of the arrested drivers were aged 25 or under
• Around half of the arrests were made in Leicester (75) , however, people were detained across Leicestershire, including four drink in Market Harborough, Billesdon, Bruntingthorpe and Broughton Astley along with a drug drive arrest in Lutterworth.
• Leicestershire Police usually arrested an average of 70 drink drug drivers each month

Jonathan Clarkson, Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Road Safety Partnership spokesperson said, “This is a shocking increase and we would certainly have to go back many years to see a similar number of arrests. What is particularly alarming is, that despite extensive media coverage, our road safety messages obviously do not register with some people and they are prepared to take the risk and get behind the wheel and drive while unfit.”

“Police patrols will continue to operate around the clock throughout the year to help ensure our roads are safe for everyone.”