Police made 233 arrests in December as part of an annual drink and drug-driving crackdown across Devon and Cornwall.
The arrests were made during the Christmas Operation Limit campaign, which ran between Thursday, December 1 and Sunday, January 1.
A year earlier, there were 188 arrests made on suspicion of drink and drug-driving offences – meaning there was an increase of 24 per cent in 2022.
Police have warned of the “untold devastation” that drink and drug-driving can cause and urged people to plan getting home safely from a night out.
Overall, there were 144 arrests made for suspected drink-driving and 84 arrests for suspected driving under the influence of drugs.
Five arrests were recorded for failing to provide a sample for analysis. Some drivers were arrested on suspicion of multiple offences.
Of the 144 people arrested on suspicion of drink-driving-related offences, 113 were men, 30 were woman and one person was “unknown”.
The youngest driver was 17 years old and the oldest was 72. The average age of the people arrested was 38.
Drivers suspected of drug-driving offences were asked to complete a roadside swab.
If the swab was positive, they were arrested and had a blood sample taken for analysis when they were in custody.
These bloods are being examined before charges can be brought.
Of the 84 people arrested on suspicion of drug driving related offences, 76 were men, seven were women and one was “unknown”.
The youngest was 16 years old and the oldest was 67. The average age of the people arrested was 34.
During the campaign, the police force encouraged people enjoying a drink during the festive period to plan how to get home without driving.
The Lift Legend campaign saw Devon & Cornwall Police partner with over 90 venues across the two counties to offer free drinks to designated drivers.
Drivers were reminded of the potential consequences of driving while under the influence and the effects drugs and alcohol can have the following morning.
Superintendent Ryan Doyle, of the specialist operations department, said: “Too many people who are otherwise law-abiding citizens fail to consider the untold devastation that drink and drug driving can cause – those arrested were not necessarily your ‘usual’ suspects.
“While it is disappointing to see a 24 per cent increase in the number of people arrested on suspicion of drink and drug drive related offences versus last year, I am pleased our increased efforts to tackle those drivers who are potentially a danger on our roads has resulted in a number of arrests.
“This year, we have continued to place a greater emphasis on encouraging those planning a night out to think about how they’re getting home.
“I would like to thank the venues that took part in our Lift Legend campaign for their support in helping to keep their customers and wider road users safe.
“I and too many of my colleagues have been the person knocking on the door to inform relatives that their loved one has been killed as a result of a motorist who thinks it is okay to get behind the wheel while under the influence.
“The pain this causes to victims’ families and loved ones is devastating, and entirely preventable.
“As in previous years, I would like to thank those members of the public who called us to report a drink driver.
“Our enforcement efforts will of course continue all year round and intelligence from the public is invaluable in keeping our roads safe.”
Alison Hernandez, police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is the chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, which supported the force's anti-drink and drug-driving campaign over Christmas.
The commissioner said: “There is absolutely no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“It is a selfish act that needlessly endangers the lives of innocent people.
“While I’m dismayed that this many drivers have seen fit to undertake this lethal activity over the festive period, I am glad that so many have been caught and will now face justice for their crime.
“As well as being incredibly dangerous, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol also carries a driving ban, which will cost some people their jobs, their livelihoods and even their families.
“In some cases, you could even end up in prison. It’s just not worth it.”
If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, call 999 and provide information about their vehicle and direction of travel.
For non-urgent matters, or with information about someone who regularly drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please go to www.dc.police.uk or call 101.
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