Drink/drug driving arrests have fallen to a new all-time low

for the winter period in Avon and Somerset the latest Operation Tonic winter

campaign figures have revealed.  

During the month-long campaign (December 1 -  January 1) under 200 motorists for arrested

for drink/drug driving across the whole of the Avon and Somerset police area.   These arrests were as a result of more than

31,000 roadside stop checks carried out by police officers across the force

area. 

Of those stopped 2703 were tested for drink or drugs.   The winter campaign figure is the lowest

number recorded since Operation Tonic was launched in 2002.

That year 329 drivers were arrested but ever since there has

been a year-on-year decrease in the number of people arrested for drink/drug

driving.   Last year the figure dropped

to 202 and following the high-profile summer campaign and publicity in advance

of this year's winter event, police were hopeful of a further reduction.  

Chief Inspector Polly King of the force's road policing unit

said:"We are of course delighted to see a further reduction in those

arrested for drink and drug driving. However it is still disappointing to see a

hardcore of drivers who blatantly ignore our advice and continue to drive while

under the influence of drink or drugs.”

 

"Our campaign to crack down on drink/drug driving will

continue throughout the year, complemented by Operation Tonic summer and winter

campaigns to focus the minds of drivers tempted to drive after drinking or taking

drugs.  Our message remains the same -

don't drink and drive. But we would also like to take this opportunity to

praise the majority of drivers in Avon and Somerset who have listed to

Operation Tonic advice to leave the car behind if they intend to drink,"

said CI King.