Christmas Drink and Drug Drive Campaign Results 2012

48 people in total either tested positive, refused to take the test or the individual concerned failed to provide a sample of breath. An additional thirteen people were arrested whilst unfit to drive and four people were found to be unfit through drugs following a field impairment test.

242 of the breath tests that were administered were to those under the age of 25 and 672 were administered to those aged 25 years and over.

The campaign included the stop checking of vehicles, as well as targeting activities in areas known for drink-related collisions and drink/drug drive offenders. Cleveland Police policy is to breathalyse any driver committing a moving traffic offence, or who is involved in a collision, and anyone suspected of drinking alcohol.

Inspector Mick Little, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “We have again been out in force tackling the issue of drink or drug drivers who use our roads.

“Whilst these people continue to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs, we will continue to carry out our operations in order to remove them from Cleveland’s roads.

“Those who have tested positive, refused a test or failed to provide a sample will now appear before the courts to face the consequences of their actions. Alcohol or drugs can be a factor in road collisions, and can cause serious or even fatal injuries. It is also important that people remember that the morning after drinking, they can still be over the drink drive limit.”