As a result of a Cheshire Police drink and drug drive operation 267 people face a life-changing start to 2017, which represents an increase of 12% on the number of arrests during the 2015 crackdown.
Throughout December a total of 156 people were arrested for drink driving, while another 111 were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of illegal drugs. All of those arrested are now likely to face driving bans and large fines.
Of those arrested for drink driving 28 were from the Macclesfield area - which covers Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Congleton, Knutsford, Macclesfield and Poynton - compared with 29 arrests last year. Whilst 43 were arrested for driving under the influence of illegal drugs, compared to 25 in December 2015.
Inspector Steve Griffiths, from the Cheshire Roads policing unit said: "It's astonishing to see how many people still believe that it is acceptable to driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
"Driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous; it affects your reaction time, making it harder for you to judge your speed, judge your distance between you and other vehicles and notice potential hazards. All of this means that you are more likely to be involved in a collision.
"All of those arrested as part of this operation will now have to face the consequences of their actions, which will have a significant impact on both their personal and professional lives."
All roads policing officers across Cheshire are equipped with both alcohol testing kits and drugs wipes, which can instantly detect whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, whilst behind the wheel.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: "It's pleasing to see the work that officers are undertaking to make Cheshire's roads safer, not only tackling drunk drivers but also those under the influence of illegal drugs.
"The consequences of drink and drug driving can be devastating; they can cause a ripple effect that can have shattering ramifications for not only the driver of the vehicle, but innocent members of the public.
"I'm glad to see the positive stance being taken our police service and I will work closely with the Chief Constable to ensure that this continues into the future."
Inspector Griffiths added: "I hope that the results from this operation demonstrate that our officers are here for you, by taking dangerous drivers off our roads. We are committed to reducing the number of alcohol and drug related deaths on our roads, and my officers will use all of the tools available to them to help us achieve our goal.
"I also want to reassure residents that although this operation has concluded, it is an issue that we continue to target seven days a week, 365 days a year. The message is clear, if you drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs in Cheshire, you will be caught."
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.