Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Monday, 30th December 2024, at 15:00hrs
As the New Years Celebrations approach Police are warning drivers to leave their keys at home and book alternative transport if they are drinking
More than 700 drivers combined were arrested following the festive season during police operations across Lancashire and Merseyside to tackle drink/drug driving during the festivities.
In Lancashire, that’s an increase of 122 from the previous year.
In a social media post, Lancashire Police said:
“So far this December, we have arrested 302 people for drink or drug driving related offences… 122 more than last December!
We are determined to keep Lancashire’s roads safe, and these arrests are evidence of that.
If you are heading out tomorrow for New Years Eve, please always make sure you have suitable transport arranged.
Pre-book a taxi, use public transport or have a designated sober driver in your group. NEVER get behind the wheel impaired.
Driving under the influence is not worth risking your license, or life.”
In an update on their festive operations, Merseyside Police said:
“The total number of those arrested for drink and drug related driving offences in Merseyside across the festive period, today 30 December, stands at 434.
Merseyside Police have been relentlessly pursuing drink and drug drivers across the region and showcasing the results, along with bodycam footage, on their social media as part of Operation Limit.
Operation Limit is a national campaign aimed at preventing drug and drink drivers from endangering others across the festive season.
On Christmas day, 4 people were arrested on suspicion of drug driving and 6 were arrested on suspicion of drink driving.
Sergeant Kyle Sayers, force lead for Operation Limit, warned that numbers were likely to increase further still over new year: “Unfortunately, we expect these numbers to rise again in the coming days as people celebrate.
“People driving home on the morning of New Year’s Day is a particular source of concern for us. It’s not only possible but highly likely that if someone was drinking heavily the night before, they will still be over the limit the morning after. That’s why it’s important that our Operation Limit work continues into the new year, and why we expect cases to rise.
“Besides the obvious, awful, risk of killing or seriously injuring someone if you’re intoxicated behind the wheel, you can face up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine and a one-year driving ban. If your job depends on you being able to drive you can expect to potentially lose your job and face all the ramifications associated with losing your income. Once you regain your licence your car insurance costs will increase massively to the point where you may not even be able to afford to drive.
“Leave the keys at home.”
Of the drivers arrested, 106 were for drink driving related offences, while 318 were drug driving related offences and 10 failed to comply with testing.
Merseyside Police are urging anyone who suspects that someone may be driving under the influence to call 999.
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