Christmas drink drive campaign launched

Officers are hoping to raise awareness of the dangers of drink driving during the festive season

Greater Manchester Police’s Traffic Network Unit has launched its annual Christmas drink drive campaign.

The operation will see officers from across Greater Manchester carrying out high-visibility stop-checks throughout December to raise awareness of the dangers of drink driving during the festive season.

Superintendent Steve Nibloe said: “The aim of the operation is to make our roads safer and save lives.

"If you are out on a Christmas do, drinking late into the night, you need to remember that you can still be over the limit the next morning when driving to work or dropping children off at school.”

So far in 2010, 25 people have been killed or seriously injured on the roads of Greater Manchester as a result of drink driving.

The campaign will also focus on targeting drug-drivers, and officers will be carrying out a series of tests on any driver suspected to be under the influence of illegal drugs. The tests involve examining the eyes of the driver and checking balance and the passing of time.

Superintendent Steve Nibloe added: “As part of the Drivesafe Partnership we work hard all year round to tackle drink and drug driving. We will not tolerate drink or drug driving in Greater Manchester and will be cracking down on those that do so. Our message is clear – if you do drink or drug-drive this Christmas, you can expect to be caught and face the consequences.”

If you want to report a drink driver anonymously, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.