Avon and Somerset Police are just over half-way through Operation Tonic which started on 1 December. The month-long campaign includes high visibility and covert patrols aimed at targeting drink and drug drivers.
Since the operation began, police have arrested 107 people for drink and drug driving. This included reports of a drunk man driving a milk delivery vehicle at 05:20hrs, a father with two children in the car and a man driving to a school nativity play who was over four times the legal limit.
In addition, officers responded to intelligence about a known drink driver who, upon police contact, rammed a marked car before crashing into a wall and writing off his high-end car. When a car weaving along M5 ignored officers’ request to stop all four tyres were stung to prevent a pursuit and the driver was arrested for driving under the influence. All those caught driving over the limit will now face serious consequences.
Supt Andy Williams, Head of Road Safety in Avon and Somerset Constabulary says: “We’ve seen some disgraceful circumstances involving intoxicated drivers which show a clear disregard for other road users and even passengers. I hope that with the support of the community and ongoing enforcement and education we will see less drink drivers on the road.
“We’ve received 292 calls and text reports from the public so far and I encourage anyone who has any information about someone who is driving whilst under the influence to inform us immediately so that we can take action.”
Members of the public are warned that being convicted can affect their everyday life beyond a drink driving fine or ban which could result in a loss of independence, job and financial stability. Family and close friends may also suffer the consequences.
Police are asking members of the public to call 999 if they know about someone who is currently driving under the influence. In less urgent cases and when the driver isn’t behind the wheel, text 07400 279101 with the word ‘drunk’ and details of the car, location and driver.
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