Nearly 100 arrested in Wiltshire during drink/drug drive campaign
Roads policing officers tackled the issue throughout December
A total of 96 people have been arrested in Wiltshire, as part of a month-long crackdown on drink and drug driving.
Wiltshire Police's annual Christmas campaign took the theme of 'Don't Risk It' and called on drivers to plan their journeys home in advance, if they planned to become under the influence.
Throughout December, roads policing officers led the push to tackle the issue, with cars proactively stopped for poor manners of driving, following reports from the public or checks made following collisions.
4\5 of the arrests were on suspicion of drink driving, with 25 on suspicion of drug driving - a further 16 arrests were on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs or alcohol.
Eleven people were arrested for failing to provide a specimen for analysis when suspected of drink/drug driving, and five were arrested for being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the legal limit for alcohol.
The total number of arrests were slightly higher than 2023's figure of 94.
Roads Policing Inspector Steve Jolly said:
"I'd like to thank my officers as well as the other teams across the force who dedicated themselves to making Wiltshire's roads safer over the holiday period.
"It is concerning that people are still choosing to take the huge risk of driving after consuming alcohol or drugs. A momentary lapse in concentration while driving can cost a life.
"Our focus on targeting drink and drug drivers throughout the county has not ended now that Christmas has passed. We encourage the public to report people they suspect are committing these offences to us - they will be dealt with robustly."
Drink/drug driving is one of the 'Fatal Five' driving offences which are the main contributing factors that cause serious road traffic collisions.
Those factors also include careless driving, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone or speeding.
If you suspect someone of drink or drug driving, you're asked to call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Always call 999 in the event of an emergency.