Dozens of motorists have so far been stopped by police in Leicestershire this month for drink-driving and drug-driving

At least 75 motorists have so far been stopped by police in Leicestershire this month for drink-driving and drug-driving.

The figure is very similar to last year’s – despite the fact that pubs, bars and clubs have all been forced to shut by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jonathan Clarkson, of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership, said about 50 drivers have been arrested for drink-driving and 25 for driving under the influence of drugs since the Christmas crackdown was launched by police on Tuesday December 1.

“It beggars belief that we launch this clampdown every Christmas and we are for ever ramming home the same old message about not driving after drinking to excess or taking drugs.

“But far too many people out there still do it across both Harborough and Leicestershire as a whole,” said Jonathan.

“And the astonishing thing is that just about as many people are being caught by police while traditional outlets such as pubs and bars are closed during the coronavirus crisis.

“So people are obviously drinking too much at home or in other people’s houses before promptly jumping behind the wheel and hitting the roads.

“This is just not acceptable – and won’t be tolerated.

“Both drink-driving and drug-driving are very dangerous – and put every other innocent road user at serious risk.”

He said one driver in Leicestershire has just been tested by an officer at a staggering 160 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath – almost five times the legal limit of 35.

“It’s a wonder that they could walk never mind think they could drive.

“It’s simply not on and this sort of stupid reckless behaviour will not be put up with,” insisted Jonathan.

“Many people seem to think as well that the majority of drivers are stopped by police in built-up, urban areas.

“That’s not the case.

“I’d say arrests are split about 50/50 between what we call the greater Leicester area and out in rural Leicestershire and Rutland.

“So be warned.

“You can get caught breaking the law as easily in a village in Harborough or where ever as you can in Leicester.”

He said police made 633 roadside arrests in Leicestershire in the first six months this year.

As a result 436 culprits were held for drink driving, 159 detained for drug driving and 38 who failed to provide a sample.

Last year officers carried out 1,237 arrests, 950 for drink driving, 216 for drug driving and 71 failing to provide a sample.

“At the current rate we’ll top that figure for 2020 by hitting something like 1,266.

“That alone would be bad enough.

“But coming in a year when pubs and bars have been shut for the last nine months is astonishing,” said Jonathan.

“Please do not drive after drinking too much or taking drugs.

“Stay off the roads, stay safe – and keep everyone else safe at the same time.”