The number of people arrested for drink or drug driving in North Yorkshire over Christmas has shot up by a third, police revealed today (Friday).
Between 1 December and 1 January, officers made 137 arrests. Of these, 97 arrests were for drink driving and 40 were drug related (a 40% decrease on last year).
New police commissioner Zoe Metcalfe described the figures as ‘clearly disappointing’.
Out of 25 arrests resulting from collisions, 21 of those involved alcohol and four were for drug driving offences.
A total of 27 offenders provided alcohol readings more than twice the legal limit – and six offenders provided readings three times the drink drive limit or more (readings of 105ug/100ml or more).
Six offenders have been sentenced so far, receiving driving bans ranging from 12 months to four years.
Another 66 offenders are due in court over coming weeks.
Arrests by area
- York 21
- Harrogate 27
- Selby 18
- Scarborough 29
- Ryedale 11
- Hambleton 10
- Craven 7
Traffic Sergeant Andy Morton said: “This rise in drink driving arrests can be attributed to a number of factors, however we have been very pro-active throughout this campaign and our determination to target those who take such risks on our roads has never waned.
“I am sure none of those who were arrested were expecting to be stopped by a police officer on that journey. But I want to remind those who get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs – we are watching, and you will be caught.”
North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe said: “The threat these individuals pose to other drivers, cyclists, riders and walkers, as well as themselves is huge.
“It is clearly disappointing so many continue to be caught over the limit, but I am pleased the proactive approach taken by police is removing at least some of them from our roads.”