More than 130 drivers arrested for suspected drink-driving or drug-driving in Leicestershire throughout December – despite the Covid-19 crackdown

Police arrested over 130 drivers suspected of drink-driving or drug-driving in Leicestershire throughout December – despite the Covid-19 crackdown.

Officers detained 132 suspects throughout the county during the 32-day Christmas and New Year campaign lasting from December 1 - January 1 – compared to 150 in 2019.

Scores of people were arrested despite the fact that pubs, bars and other licensed premises were shut amid the coronavirus lockdown.

The figure included 104 motorists arrested for driving with excess alcohol and 28 for failing the drug screening test.

Some 120 of those held were male with just 12 women.

“Arrests were made across the force area and around the 24/7 clock,” said Leicestershire Police.

Some 25 drivers were arrested following a crash.

And four of those were detained in Market Harborough, one in Kibworth and another in Broughton Astley.

“Whilst the arrest rate is marginally down on 2019 it is well above the Force average monthly arrest rate.

“It is most concerning bearing in mind the Covid-19 lockdown during December including the closure of licensed premises and the reduced traffic on the network,” said police.

“The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership continues to strive to reduce the dangerous incidence of drink/drug-driving throughout the year.

“It is most disappointed by the road safety implications posed by the ongoing flouting of law regarding the misuse of both alcohol and drugs whilst driving a vehicle on our roads.”

Graham Compton, Senior Traffic Management Officer, Leicestershire Police, said: “Despite the Road Safety Partnership working tirelessly to dissuade drivers from using the highway when under the influence of drink or drugs owing to the very real road safety implications, far too many drivers are ignoring all the advice and taking to the road thereby putting themselves and more importantly innocent road users at risk of injury.

“Leicestershire Police will continue to screen drivers following a collision or when dealing with a moving traffic offence, with a view to removing dangerous drivers from our roads.”

All drivers convicted of drink/drug-driving will be handed at least a 12-month driving ban - putting their livelihoods at serious risk in many cases.