Police have released the following figures.
132 arrests made during the 32 day campaign compared with 150 in 2019.
This includes 104 for excess alcohol plus 28 for failing the drug screening test.
120 of the detainees were male.
Arrests were made across the Force area and around the 24/7 clock.
25 drivers were arrested following a collision
Whilst the arrest rate is marginally down on 2019 it is well above the Force average monthly arrest rate and is most concerning bearing in mind the Covid-19 lockdown during December including the closure of licensed premises, and the reduced traffic on the network.
The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership continues to strive to reduce the dangerous incidence of drink/drug-driving throughout the year and is most disappointed by the road safety implications posed by the ongoing flouting of law regarding the misuse of both alcohol and drugs whilst driving a vehicle on our roads.
Graham Compton, Senior Traffic Management Officer, Leicestershire Police said, ‘Despite the Road Safety Partnership working tirelessly to dissuade drivers from using the highway when under the influence of drink or drugs owing to the very real road safety implications, far too many drivers are ignoring all the advice and taking to the road thereby putting themselves and more importantly innocent road users at risk of injury’.
He went on to say, ‘ Leicestershire Police will continue to screen drivers following a collision or when dealing with a moving traffic offence, with a view to removing dangerous drivers from our roads’
All drivers convicted of drink/drug-driving will incur at the very least a 12 month driving ban thereby in many cases putting their livelihood at risk.