Police arrest 95 for drink driving

Police in Avon and Somerset have arrested 95 people for drink driving offences three weeks into a campaign to save lives on the roads.

Operation Tonic was launched on June 1, and has seen officers carry out high-visibility stop-checks to raise awareness of the dangers of drink-driving and target repeat offenders.

In the last three weeks, over 23,600 motorists have been stopped, 1,513 have been breathalysed and 95 people have been arrested.

Chief Inspector Polly King said: “The drivers we have spoken to have given us really positive feedback and have been reassured to see that we take a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drink driving.

“Everyone is making the most of the warmer weather we have been enjoying recently – having fun at family barbeques, relaxing in beer gardens or supporting the World Cup. But I would ask that everyone remembers it is impossible to calculate your drink drive limit and even a small amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive.

“We will not tolerate drink or drug driving in Avon and Somerset and will be cracking down on those that do so. Our message is clear – if you do drink or drug-drive this summer, you can expect to be caught.”

In Avon and Somerset, seven people were killed and 35 seriously injured in drink-drive related collisions in 2009.

The consequences of being caught drink driving are extensive – including a minimum 12-month driving ban, a criminal record, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000. Those convicted of drink-driving for a second time are also likely to have their car seized and potentially crushed.