Police are reminding motorists to be aware of the dangers of driving a vehicle after drinking alcohol and/or taking drugs.
This message comes as we reach the halfway point of Gloucestershire Constabulary’s annual Christmas anti drink and drug driving campaign in conjunction with the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
Officers from the Roads Policing Unit, Neighbourhood Policing teams and the Special Constabulary have been taking part in operations stopping nearly 750 vehicles.
As of Tuesday morning (17 December), 47 people had been arrested for driving whilst under the influence of either alcohol and/or drugs, 605 had taken part in breathalyser tests and 63 drugs wipes had been conducted.
Of the 47 people who were arrested 17 have been charged with drink or drug driving and other road related offences. They will now be appearing at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court in the coming weeks.
The other 30 people who were arrested were either released under investigation pending further enquiries or face no further police action.
The campaign, which is running until 1 January 2025, aims to educate drivers of the dangers and penalties they could face by getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.
With Christmas parties and festive get-togethers continuing, motorists are reminded to plan ahead and think about how they will get home. They may also wish to consider if they need to use their vehicle the following morning.
Drivers who combine alcohol and drugs are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than sober drivers. Do not take the risk – it could ruin lives.
If you suspect someone is driving while under the influence of drink or drugs and the person is nearby, call police on 999.
Inspector Martyn Murawa from the Roads Policing Unit said: “I would like to thank the motorists who have followed advice and not driven after drinking alcohol and/or taking drugs.
“It is disappointing that our warnings around the dangers of drink and drug driving are not getting through to everyone, however I’d like to thank all of the officers, PCSOs and Special Constables who have worked tirelessly over recent weeks to make the operation possible.
“We will continue to be visible across Gloucestershire as we get closer to Christmas and the New Year’s festivities to ensure the roads are as safe as possible and that motorists are educated and can think twice before deciding if they are able to get behind the wheel.”
You can find out more about the campaign here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/news/gloucestershire/2024/december/christmas-songs-being-used-to-remind-motorists-of-the-dangers-of-drink-or-drug-driving/
