2024 Christmas anti drink and drug driving campaign results in over 100 arrests

Over 100 people were arrested as part of Gloucestershire Constabulary’s annual Christmas anti drink and drug driving campaign in conjunction with the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership and the National Police Chiefs' Council.

As part of the campaign a total of 117 people were arrested for drink and drug driving related offences between 1 December and 2 January.

68 people were arrested for drink driving related offences and 49 people were arrested for drug driving related offences. 

Of the 117 people who were arrested, 59 have now been charged and are due to appear at court. These charges relate to drink driving offences or failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis.

46 people were released under investigation and an additional eight people were released on police bail pending further enquiries. These outcomes relate to drug driving offences as blood analysis work needs to take place.

The multi-partnership campaign was co-ordinated by Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. It aimed to educate drivers of the dangers and penalties they could face by getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.

Motorists saw more roadside police checks in both urban and rural areas across the county as well as the Special Constabulary conducting a number of proactive operations and Specialist Operations officers making targeted patrols.

As part of the campaign officers from the Specialist Operations and Neighbourhood Policing teams along with the Special Constabulary stopped 1157 vehicles, administered 852 breathalyser tests and conducted 136 drugs wipes.

Inspector Martyn Murawa from Specialist Operations said: "I would like to thank every officer and member of staff who played a part in making this a successful operation and allowing us to take drink and drug drivers off the roads. I would also like to thank the members of the public who reported suspected drink or drug drivers to us.

“It’s still disappointing that 117 motorists risked their own life and the lives of others by driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"As a result, an operation like this isn’t just for Christmas. Our efforts to make the roads of Gloucestershire safe take place 24/7, 365 days a year."

If you have information about anyone who is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please call 101 or 999 if an offence is happening at the time. Please try and give as much information as possible, including a description of the driver, the vehicle and direction of travel.

Alternatively you can complete the following online form: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-beta-2.1/report-a-road-traffic-incident/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.