Motorists across the country are being advised of the dangers of driving under the influence of drink or drugs during the Christmas period.

Police forces across the country have this week launched publicity and enforcement campaigns to raise awareness of the issues around drink and drug driving.

There will be increased enforcement activity from police officers during this period. It has been described as ‘intelligence led’ policing to target motorists who drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.

The campaign runs from 1 December 2017 to 1 January 2018.  During last year’s campaign, police stopped over 100,000 motorists. 5698 breath tests were positive, failed, or refused during that campaign. These were cases where the driver was found to be over the legal limit by a breathalyser, refused to give an officer a specimen of breath, or gave a specimen of breath but it was not sufficient to determine a result.

The legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol for every 100 millilitres of breath in England and Wales and there is no safe way to calculate how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the legal limit. The effects of alcohol on different people vary depending on a person’s, sex, age, weight, and stress levels. The type of alcohol drunk and eating habits will also have a significant impact.

The Assistant Chief Constable for West Mercia stated “the simple fact is, there is only one way of being sure that you are safe to drive and that is not to drink at all”.

Should you require any assistance in respect of road traffic matters or motoring offences, you should call James Lowe, our Regulatory and Licensing Partner on 07833 240 400 for advice and assistance.