A TOTAL of 346 people were arrested for drink and/or drug driving in Avon and Somerset over the festive season.
Of those, 278 were arrested in December - 13 per cent up on the same period the previous year - the rest were tested by police between November 21 and 30.
Drink driving accounted for 216 offences and drug driving for 130 offences, the latter a dramatic increase on previous years’ figures of 39 (2021), 45 (2020) and 31 (2019).
The operation also resulted in many other road-related offences being dealt with, including speeding, no insurance, seatbelts, vehicle condition, possession of drugs, disqualified drivers and a wanted person.
The initiative, known as Operation Tonic, aims to reduce fatal and serious injury road traffic collisions (RTCs) and protecting other road users.
In 2021, one in three RTCs in Avon and Somerset had a drink and/or drug factor and included 12 fatalities.
Patrols were carried out by police officers, while the public also reported numerous offenders.
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."
He added: “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.”
Drivers risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving above the legal limit.
Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug driving faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
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