Police are warning that they are prepared to arrest more motorists than ever before during this year’s festive drink and drug drive campaign as people continue to ignore warnings.
Officers have arrested 43 people since the Christmas crackdown began on 1 December, despite repeated warnings about the potential dangers and possible repercussions linked to drink and drug driving.
Police have been out in force on the roads of North Yorkshire and the City of York since the campaign began and have breathalysed 1597 motorists.
Of the 43 motorists arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving so far, 21 have been charged and face losing their licences before the year is out.
Traffic Sergeant Pete Stringer, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Our officers have done a great job since the campaign began in detecting suspected drink and drug drivers.
“It is, however, very disappointing that some people still choose to ignore our pleas not to put lives in danger by getting behind the wheel while impaired through drink and drugs.
“I want people to know that we will continue breathalysing people and making arrests in order to keep our communities safe this Christmas.
“Remember when you’re out, so are the police. If you’ve had a drink and get behind the wheel they will be looking for you and you are likely to get caught. Don’t take the risk.”
A 41-year-old woman from Wakefield was arrested on Friday 7 December 2012 on the A1 southbound near Wetherby services.
Other concerned motorists contacted the police after getting her to pull over following concerns about her manner of driving.
When officers arrived at the scene, the woman was arrested after failing a roadside breath test. She had a 10-year-old child in the car with her at the time of the incident.
The woman is due to appear at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 13 December 2012.
The public have an important role to play in the fight against drink driving.
By reporting any suspicions you have about people who are driving while under the influence of drink and drugs, it gives officers a better chance of catching people who put their own and other people’s lives at risk.
If you would like to report a drink or drug driver, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and pass information to the Force Control Room.
If you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
Follow @NYorksPolice on Twitter for the latest drink and drug drive campaign updates #drinkdrive
Targeted operations
Officers are running a series of targeted operations throughout North Yorkshire and the City of York throughout the campaign.
The first operation took place in the Craven area on Friday 7 December 2012, with officers and a drugs dog patrolling Keighley Road, Broughton Road and Skipton High Street.
Officers were also on the look out for drink and drug drivers on Main Street at Crosshills, the A65 at Gargrave and Main Street at Embsay.
Police conducted 112 breath tests with 111 people recording a zero reading. One person blew 16 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, which is below the legal limit of 35.