2022 Christmas anti drink and drug driving campaign results in 97 arrests

Just under 100 people were arrested as part of the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership’s annual Christmas anti drink and drug driving campaign.

As part of the campaign a total of 97 people were arrested for drink and drug driving related offences between 1 December and 1 January.

46 people were arrested for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol, 38 people were arrested on suspicion of driving whilst under the influence of drugs and 13 people were arrested for failing to provide a specimen.  

Some of those arrested for drink or drug driving also face further action for other road offences like speeding, mobile phone use, vehicle defects or driving without due care. 

Of the 97 people who were arrested 48 people have now been charged and are due to appear at court or have already appeared over recent weeks.

Many of the others who were arrested remain under investigation while their blood is analysed and a few face no further action because they were just over the drink drive limit at the roadside but blew under the limit when tested at the station.

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 roads policing officers making targeted patrols.

As part of the campaign officers from the Roads Policing Unit, Neighbourhood Policing teams, the Special Constabulary and Tutor Assessment Unit stopped 804 vehicles and administered 637 breathalyser tests.

Inspector Rachel Lynch-Warden from the Roads Policing Unit 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.

"Our work doesn’t end here as unfortunately people commit drink or drug driving offences all year round. Officers regularly see the aftermath of collisions where drivers have been under the influence and we'll continue to target those who think they can break the law.

"We want to do everything possible to help to ensure the roads of Gloucestershire are safe for all."

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.