Police drink and drug drive campaign draws to close with 86 arrests

Wiltshire Police have broken down the results of the Winter campaign into facts and figures for release to the public.

Officers said that out of the 86 arrests, 45 people across Swindon and the rest of Wiltshire were arrested for drink driving with 31 being arrested for drug driving.

Four people were arrested for failing to provide a sample and six tested in hospital following collisions.

15 of these arrests were said to have taken place on New Year's Eve.

The annual winter drink and drug drive campaign was led by the Wiltshire Police Roads Policing Unit, together with colleagues from Community Policing, and ran throughout December.

It aimed to combine enforcement and education to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of drink and drug driving.

Throughout the month officers undertook heightened patrols and arranged additional check sites targeting drink and drug drive offences. The campaign was also supported by community intelligence where officers specifically targeted drivers who had been reported by members of the community.

Inspector Mark Freeman who leads the Wiltshire Police Roads Policing Unit said: “We are pleased that over the course of this winter campaign we have identified and arrested 86 people who were placing themselves and others at risk through the selfish actions of drink or drug driving.

“With ongoing awareness alongside regular campaigns it’s disappointing that people in our community still see drink or drug driving as acceptable.

“Our winter awareness campaign has now come to an end but whether it is drink or drugs, illegal or prescription, we must all be aware of the impact that driving whilst intoxicated can have, and that irresponsible behaviour like this cost lives.

“The campaign may have ended but the work continues to keep our county safe through education and enforcement. Unfortunately drink or drug drivers continue to place others at risk throughout the year. If you know someone who drives under the influence, please report them by calling 101 or report online.”

When reporting drink or drug driving officers ask that individuals give as much information as possible, including the driver’s details or description, their car registration and a time or day that they can be caught doing so. 

Those who believe that a crime is being committed with somebody already behind the wheel are advised to call 999.