Police are focusing on the need for designated drivers, and on planning ahead for a night out, as figures show an increase in the numbers being arrested for drink or drug driving compared to the same time last year.
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The latest figures show an increase of 21 per cent in the number of arrests for drink or drug driving (108 from 1-15 December 2013, compared to 89 in the same period last year). 75 people have been charged so far, an increase of 39 per cent on the same time last year (54 in 2012).
Inspector Andy Storey who is heading the campaign said: “It is disappointing that people still are not getting the message about drink driving. It is astounding that people are still taking the risk.
“We are putting more resources than ever before into this campaign-if you choose to drink or drug drive, we will catch you, you will go to court and you will lose your licence.
“But the human cost of drink driving has a much greater impact. As our videos last week of the Staley family showed, drink driving ruins lives.”
He added: “This week we are focusing on designated drivers. If you are planning a night out with friends or family decide on a designated driver or have a plan to get home via a way that does not involve you getting behind the wheel if you have had a drink or taken something else.”