Just shy of 350 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of drink or drugs in the police's winter crackdown. In total, Avon and Somerset Police arrested 346 motorists during The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC’s) Winter 2022 Drink and Drug Driving Operation which ran from November 21 to December 31.
Of the arrests, 278 were made in December. This is a 13 per cent rise on the 246 arrests made in the same period in 2021.
The police say drink driving accounted for 216 offences and drug driving for 130 offences. The latter saw a significant increase on previous year's figures - 39 in 2021, 45 in 2020 and 31 in 2019.
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The operation, known as Op Tonic, is aimed at reducing fatal and serious crashes on the region's roads. In 2021, 12 people died across Avon and Somerset from collision which had a drink or drug factor.
During this year's Op Tonic, drivers in the 25-34-year-old age bracket accounted for a third (117) of all arrests. They were followed by 35-44-year-olds (77 arrests) and under 25s (75 arrests).
It is also reported that over 81 per cent of all those arrested were male. A quarter of the arrests took place in Somerset West, 24 per cent in Bristol and 22 per cent in South Gloucestershire.
PCC Mark Shelford said: "A massive thank you to Avon and Somerset Police officers for their ongoing hard work to help keep our roads safe, especially during the festive period.
“I am shocked at the number of people who, despite warnings from the police, got behind the wheel under the influence. There is no excuse to drink and drive and, by doing so, you’re putting your own life and others at risk. Please do tell Avon and Somerset Police if you suspect drink/ drug driving is happening and help us keep our roads safe.”
Inspector Rob Barker, roads policing lead for Avon and Somerset Police’s Tactical Support Team, said: “In six weeks of Op Tonic we averaged over 57 arrests per week for drink or drug driving. If you drink or take drugs and drive, there is a very good chance you will be caught, and we always prosecute.
“Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is dangerous – you are more likely to be involved in a collision and more likely to cause injury and even death.
“Drink and drug driving is not socially acceptable, and we know the public are behind us in taking effective action. The information they have provided has helped us make some of the 346 arrests during Op Tonic and we’re pleased to have taken these offenders off the road before they could cause harm.
“Now that January is here, we are not easing up on our campaign against drink or drug drivers – keeping our roads safe is our priority day in, day out throughout the year.
“We would like to thank the public for their support and ask them to continue letting us know where they suspect or know drink or drug driving is happening, because together we are keeping the roads of Avon and Somerset safer.”
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