136 people were arrested and charged in Avon and Somerset's Christmas anti-drink and drugs campaign. 857 motorists were given breath tests.
The campaign targeted persistent offenders and venues know for drink and drug driving, rather than roadside breath tests. Three drivers were tested for drugs driving, but none was positive and the force received 20 texts to a special number set up for people to report suspected offenders.
We take drink and drug driving seriously all year round, now just at Christmas, and people should know that we will continue to target and bring to justice any drivers who put themselves and others in danger.
– Chief Inspector John Holt, Avon and Somerset Police
Charity campaigns against drink-driving this Christmas
In the run-up to Christmas, this Friday is traditionally the worst night of the year for drink driving and alcohol-related violence. Avon & Somerset Police have already arrested nearly 50 people for drink or drug driving in the first week of their Christmas crackdown.
The Road Safety charity, Brake, is running a "Not a drop, not a drag" campaign to stop people even touching a drink or taking any drugs before getting behind the wheel. Franki Hackett from the charity tells us more.
Police have arrested nearly 50 people for drink or drug driving across Avon and Somerset in the first week of the Operation Tonic Christmas campaign. Since it started on Dec 1, a total of 47 motorists who have been stopped have tested positive.
This Christmas police are asking people to shop a drink or drug driver by ringing 999 or texting the word drunk to a special number, 81819, from their mobile and giving the driver's details if they see anyone getting behind the wheel while under the influence.
More than 1 driver a day has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving in the last week Credit: JOHN GILES/PA Archive/Press Association Images
11 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving in Gloucestershire in the last week.
It's part of a summer drink drive campaign which has seen nearly 30 people arrested so far. Officers hope to make motorists aware of how long alcohol can stay in your system.
To find out more about how long it takes alcohol to leave your body, visit www.morning-after.org or follow @Morning__After on Twitter.
