Thirty-two drivers arrested in the first week of Leicestershire Police’s Christmas drink and drug drive campaign

Some 32 drivers have been arrested in the first week of Leicestershire Police’s Christmas drink and drug drive campaign.

That’s almost three times the number of motorists detained by police during the opening seven days of the annual crackdown last December.

It’s emerged that 22 drivers failed a roadside breath test for being over the drink-drive limit across Leicestershire.

And 10 were arrested for being under the influence of drugs – while 17 of the suspects stopped were aged under 30.

Two drivers were found to be under the influence of cannabis or cocaine when they were halted by officers in Market Harborough last weekend.

And one motorist was more than twice the drink-drive limit when they were pulled over by a police patrol in Broughton Astley.

Jonathan Clarkson, of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership, said far too many drivers are still jumping behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“It’s been a very poor start to the month so far.

“The highest roadside breath test given was 103 – which is almost three times the legal drink-drive limit,” said Jonathan.

“These people are just not fit to be behind the wheel.

“We are amplifying our appeal again to people throughout Harborough and Leicestershire not to drive under any circumstances if they are under the influence of drink or drugs.”