Successful Christmas clampdown on drink drivers

Greater Manchester Police has hailed their Christmas drink drive campaign a success after 23 people in Rochdale were arrested.

This year’s operation took place across the region between 1 and 31 December 2009 with more than 15,000 people breath tested and 452 arrested.

Police also carried out 193 Field Impairment Tests (FIT), where drivers were tested at the roadside for driving under the influence of drugs. 27 people were arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

People were also encouraged to call the independent charity Crimestoppers to ‘shop’ drink drivers. As a result, 15 people rang Crimestoppers with actionable information over the Christmas period.

Chief Inspector Andrew Holmes said: “Over the last five years we have seen a gradual reduction in the percentage of people testing positive for alcohol over the Christmas period. We have supported the Casualty Reduction Partnership to get the message out there and I hope this means that it is getting through.

“It is important to remember that drink driving kills and injures people all through the year, not just Christmas. If you know someone who drink drives regularly report them to the police or call Crimestoppers anonymously.”

The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.