MORE than 340 people were arrested during a police crackdown on drink driving over the Christmas period.

Avon and Somerset Police said a total of 346 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs during the annual operation.

Running between November 21 and December 31, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC’s) Winter 2022 Drink and Drug Driving Operation aims to cut the number of people on the road under the influence.

Of the arrests, 278 were made in the month of December – a 13 percent increase on 2021.

Drink driving accounted for 216 offences and drug driving for 130 offences, the latter seeing a dramatic increase on previous years’ figures of 39 (2021), 45 (2020) and 31 (2019).

The operation also resulted in other road-related offences being detected and dealt with, including speeding, no insurance, seatbelts, vehicle condition, possession of drugs, disqualified drivers, and a wanted person.

The operation, known as Op Tonic, is aimed at reducing fatal and serious injury Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) and protecting other road users.

In 2021, a third of RTCs in Avon and Somerset had a drink and/or drug factor.

They involved the deaths of 12 people, all of whom had families, friends and loved ones whose lives will be forever impacted.

Inspector Rob Barker, Roads Policing lead for Avon and Somerset Police’s Tactical Support Team, said: “In six weeks of Op Tonic we averaged over 57 arrests per week for drink or drug driving. If you drink or take drugs and drive, there is a very good chance you will be caught, and we always prosecute.

“Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is dangerous – you are more likely to be involved in a collision and more likely to cause injury and even death.

“Drink and drug driving is not socially acceptable, and we know the public are behind us in taking effective action.  The information they have provided has helped us make some of the 346 arrests during Op Tonic and we’re pleased to have taken these offenders off the road before they could cause harm.

“Now that January is here, we are not easing up on our campaign against drink or drug drivers – keeping our roads safe is our priority day in, day out throughout the year.”

“We would like to thank the public for their support and ask them to continue letting us know where they suspect or know drink or drug driving is happening, because together we are keeping the roads of Avon and Somerset safer.”

Drivers risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving while above the legal limit.

Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug driving faces up to 14 years’ in prison.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Shelford, said: “A massive thank you to Avon and Somerset Police officers for their ongoing hard work to help keep our roads safe, especially during the festive period.

“I am shocked at the number of people who, despite warnings from the police, got behind the wheel under the influence. There is no excuse to drink and drive and, by doing so, you’re putting your own life and others at risk. Please do tell Avon and Somerset Police if you suspect drink/ drug driving is happening and help us keep our roads safe.”

During the operation, drivers in the 25- to 34-year-old age group accounted for around a third (117) of arrests, followed by 35 to 44-year-olds (77 arrests) and under-25-year-olds (75 arrests).

Just over 81 per cent of all those arrested were male.

A quarter of the arrests took place in Somerset West, 24 per cent in Bristol and 22 per cent in South Gloucestershire.

Officers stopped and educated more than 2,000 drivers about drink/drug driving in over 50 roadside stop checks across the six-week operation, which started earlier than usual to coincide with the World Cup.

The locations of the roadside checks were intelligence led, which included collision data and information received from the public.

Information about drink/drug drivers can be reported online at  www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report or by calling 101. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.