Police crackdown on drink and drug drivers at Christmas and over the New Year across Leicestershire has been launched

A police crackdown on drink and drug drivers at Christmas and over the New Year across Leicestershire is being launched today (Tuesday).

The month-long clampdown will focus around-the-clock officer patrols and checks at locations across Harborough and throughout the county to make sure the roads are safe for everyone.

The special annual festive campaign is going ahead as Kerry Smith, the Assistant Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, warned that drink and drug driving “devastates lives”.

The senior officer spoke out as it was revealed that in the first six months of this year police made 633 roadside arrests in Leicestershire.

That number included 436 drink drivers, 159 drugs drivers and 38 motorists who failed to provide a sample.

“This is particularly concerning as it included the first Covid lockdown period from late March which not only saw overall traffic levels drop by 80 per cent but also the closure of pubs, bars and restaurants.

“In 2019 there were 1,237 arrests, including 950 drink, 216 drug and 71 failing to provide,” said the county’s Road Safety Partnership.

ACC Kerry Smith, who is heading up the drink drug drive campaign, said: “Driving while impaired, whether through drink or drugs, devastates lives.

“Sadly, each year drink and drugs are a contributory factor in death and serious injury on the UK’s roads.

“Despite the essential travel only messages, which have been with us for a large part of this year, it is quite clear that far too many drivers have continued to ignore the lockdown guidance and made the decision to get behind the wheel while impaired by drink or drugs.”

She added: “We are all facing the prospect of a very different festive period this year.

“Despite all the sacrifices we’ve made can I remind drivers not to put themselves and others at risk.

“Just because you haven’t been out at the pub – drinking at home can still leave you over the limit.

“Drivers should be aware that we patrol 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week to challenge drink drug drivers and bring them before the courts.”

If you see someone who appears to be a drink or drug driver enter a vehicle to drive away, make a note of the registration plate and direction of travel and call police on 101 or make a free, anonymous call to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.