Greater Manchester Police arrested 152 people for drink and drug driving offences over the Christmas and New Year period as part of its ‘None for the Road’ drink and drug drive operation.
Officers across the Force breathalysed or drug tested 923 drivers between 1 December 2017 and 1 Jan 2018, tackling the potential spike in drink and drug driving in the run up to Christmas.
Of those tested, 140 were arrested for being over the legal drink drive limit with an additional 12 arrests made for drivers who tested positive for illegal drug substances.
This equates to 16 per cent of all drivers stopped testing positive for alcohol or drugs – a one per cent reduction from the year previous, when 2594 drivers were tested, resulting in 360 alcohol and 90 drug driving related arrests.
Chief Inspector Tariq Butt, who leads GMP’s Traffic Unit, said “Results from the Christmas and New Year operation highlight that the ‘None for the Road’ message has made an impact, however the figures do not represent the significant drop in drink and drug driving arrests that we would like to see across Greater Manchester.
“I want to reassure the public that although the festive period may have ended, police vigilance will remain at the same level throughout 2018.
“I would ask that motorists make it their New Year’s resolutions to have none for the road.”
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager Ben Levy said: “Over the festive period, GMFRS dealt with 124 road traffic collisions, around 30 a week. This is an astonishing amount where many of the incidents can be avoided through taking extra care and not driving irresponsibly. This includes not getting behind the wheel drunk under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“The work we do as part of the ‘None for the Road’ campaign aims to educate people on how they can make the roads safer for themselves and others and we will continue to hammer home this message.”
The operation was also supported by Elaine, a mother from Flixton who lost her 27 year old son James in a drink drive accident in 2009.
“I am pleased that so many drivers respected the message of the Christmas ‘None for the road’ campaign and lives have been saved,” said Elaine
“I would appeal to everyone to carry this forward into the New Year. This January sees the anniversary of my son’s death from a driver who was over the limit. Please prevent other families from the needless loss of a loved one.”
To report a drink or drug driver, contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Keep up-to-date with GMP Traffic on Twitter: @gmptraffic
