Drink and drug driving operation launched ahead of festive period

Greater Manchester Police have launched their annual drink and drug drive operation, as part of an ongoing commitment to keeping the region's roads safe during one of the busiest periods of the year. 

The comprehensive enforcement campaign, which will run throughout December and into the New Year, aims to tackle the persistent issue of impaired driving during the festive season, when social gatherings and celebrations traditionally lead to an increase in drink and drug driving offences. 

The month-long campaign runs until Wednesday, January 1, 2025 and will see an intensified police presence across all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs, with officers conducting roadside breath and drug testing operations at strategic locations.

GMP's Roads Policing Units (RPU) will be working with Neighbourhood Teams and partner agencies, to ensure maximum coverage during peak periods, particularly during weekends and the morning after nights out. 

During this operation last year - police arrested 507 motorists for drink or drug driving offences - 19 arrests were made on Christmas Eve, 13 on Christmas Day and 43 on New Year’s Eve.  

Arrests in 2023 across the whole of the RPU saw a 16.25 per cent increase compared to 2022, for a range of offences, not just drink and drug driving.  

This increase is a result of more Roads Policing officers being recruited, an increase in road-side drug wipe training for district officers, as well as an increase in breathalyser kits which rolled out in December, 2023.  

Chief Inspector Michael Parker, from GMP's Safer Transport Team, said: “We're committed to making Greater Manchester's roads safer for everyone, and we will be relentless in pursuing those who put lives at risk by driving under the influence. 

"Our officers witness first-hand the devastating aftermath of drink and drug driving collisions; they are entirely preventable.

"We know people will be celebrating with friends, families, and colleagues during the festive period, and we're not here to stop people having a good time.  

“We're asking people to plan ahead – book a taxi, arrange a designated driver, or stay overnight.

"Remember, you could still be over the limit the morning after drinking – it's not worth the risk. 

"The consequences of drink or drug driving can be devastating and life-changing, not only do offenders risk losing their licence and potentially their job, but they also risk taking innocent lives.

"No Christmas party or night out is worth that." 

If you are concerned someone is going to drink or drug drive, report it immediately by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can report any information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

More information about drink and drug driving can be found here

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