POLICE arrested 207 people in Devon during their Christmas drink-drive campaign.

Of these, 166 were arrested for drink-driving and 41 for driving with excess drugs.

The Christmas campaign, which ran between Wednesday, December 1, and Saturday, January 1, was an increase on the equivalent period the previous year that saw a total of 193 drink and drug drive arrests.

Of the 166 people arrested for drink driving related offences, 141 were men and 25 were women. The youngest was 16 years old and the oldest was 76, with the average age being 36. 

For excess drug driving related offences, the driver was asked to complete a roadside swab. If the swab was positive, they were arrested and a blood sample was taken at custody for analysis. These are currently being examined before any potential charges are brought. 

Of the 41 people arrested for excess drug driving-related offences, 34 were men and seven were women. The youngest was 17 years old and the oldest was 59, with the average age being 32.

During the campaign, the Force encouraged those out enjoying a drink during the festive period to plan how to get home without driving. The ‘Lift Legend’ campaign was launched, which saw Devon and Cornwall Police partner with over 110 venues across the two counties to offer free drinks to those who agreed to be the designated driver for their group.

Superintendent Adrian Leisk, of the alliance roads policing team, said: ‘Those charged throughout the campaign were not necessarily your ‘usual’ suspects. Too many people who are otherwise law-abiding citizens, fail to consider the untold devastation that drink and drug driving can cause.

‘In the past I have been the person knocking on the door to inform relatives that their loved one has been killed as a result of a motorist who thinks it is okay to get behind the wheel while under the influence. This is something that I do not want my team to have to do during the festive period, or any other time of year.’

CALL THE POLICE

If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, dial 999 immediately with the vehicle information and direction of travel.

For non-urgent matters, or to pass information about someone who regularly drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, go to www.dc.police.uk or call 101.