Another year of festive drink and drug driving arrests across Greater Manchester

1,694 drivers were breathalysed or drug tested between 1 December 2018 to 1 January 2019

Greater Manchester Police arrested 39 people on suspicion of drink and drug driving offences between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve as part of the ‘None for the Road’ operation.

Officers across the force breathalysed or drug tested 1,694 drivers between 1 December 2018 to 1 January 2019. Of those, 109 were arrested for being over the legal drink drive limit with an additional 77 arrests made for drivers who tested positive for illegal drugs.

GMP’s Inspector Dave Jones said: “It’s sad that we have again seen a high number of arrests over the festive period.

“We know people know the dangers of drink driving – but so many continue to flout the laws and put their own and innocent people’s lives in danger. The selfishness of those who get behind the wheel after drinking more than the legal limit astounds me.

“Last year the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads increased by over 100, not all of these incidents were a result of drink and drug driving, but it is a staggering number that we don’t want to see a repeat of in 2019.

“We will continue to patrol the streets throughout the year and spread the message that the only way to stay safe is have ‘None for the Road’.

“Hopefully this time next year we will be seeing the drop in the number of arrests that we really want to see.”

To report a drink or drug driver, contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.