Police remind drivers to not drink and drug drive

Motorists in Leicestershire are being reminded of the dangers of driving while impaired through drugs and drink during the festive season.

During the first sixth months of this year Leicestershire Police made 633 roadside arrests including, 436 drink, 159 drugs and 38 who failed to provide a sample.

This included the first Covid lockdown period from late March which saw overall traffic levels drop by 80% but also the closure of pubs, bars and restaurants.

In 2019 there were 1237 arrests, including 950 drink, 216 drug and 71 failing to provide.

Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith, who is heading up the local 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.”

“We are all facing the prospect of 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.”