Police arrest 85 in seasonal drink-drive clampdown

Police arrested 85 people in Wiltshire for drink-driving over the Christmas period, according to statistics released today (Wednesday).

In addition, 13 drivers were were arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs while driving. 

The national campaign, which ran for a whole month from December 1 to January 1 saw a total of 2,579 breath tests undertaken with a total of 85 drivers giving a positive test, refusing to give a test or failing to provide a test. 

Inspector Steve Cox, head of roads policing at Wiltshire Police, said: “Overall, these figures represent a productive and successful campaign. 

“As a direct result of this crackdown, 85 drivers are now off our roads for being giving a positive breath test, refusing or failing to provide a breath test and 13 were arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs. 

“The number of collisions reported to Wiltshire Police between December 1 and January 1 has fallen by 277 compared to the same period last year, which reduced the number of breath tests administered following collisions by 65 and the total number of those that were positive, refused or failed to provide fell by six. 

“’The aim of this year’s campaign was firstly to highlight the dangers of drug and drink driving supported by a planned pro-active increase in the number of road checks and vehicles stopped.  

“What I would like to make perfectly clear is that we have officers patrolling our roads throughout the year – not just over the Christmas period. Drivers should not get complacent as we have team targeting those drivers who put themselves and others at risk by getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.” 

Anyone wishing to report someone for a driving offence, should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.