Christmas drink and drug-driving results revealed

A total of 3,065 tests were conducted throughout the month of December with 118 people, or close to four per cent, having failed the test or refused to provide a specimen.

During the Christmas 2014 campaign, 5,012 tests were administered with 157 people, or three per cent, having failed testing or refused to provide a specimen.

The December campaign was the first to include drug-driving tests, with 19 people stopped – 11 of which were drivers found to be under the influence of drugs.

The annual crackdown on drink driving saw high-profile enforcement activity take place around the clock across the county.

During the Christmas period, officers followed an intelligence-led approach leading to an increase in alcohol tests showing a positive, failed or refused reading.

While the percentage of drivers tested fell, officers targeted drink drive hotspots to catch people driving when under the influence.

Supt Jonathan Puttock, of Lancashire Police, said: “Drinking or taking drugs when driving is unacceptable at any time of the year and our efforts to catch those responsible will continue.

“This year we have carried out more targeted activity specifically around hotspot areas to catch those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“A lot of good work is being done by the police and other partner organisations but the fact that we are still continuing to see a number of failed or positive tests is disappointing and shows that some people still do not understand the real consequences of drink or drug driving. Just one drink or drug driver on the roads of Lancashire is always one too many.

“As well as the risk of suffering a serious injury or death, there are a number of potentially devastating consequences of drink and drug driving from losing your license and a hefty fine to losing your livelihood along with your family and friends.

“Catching drink or drug drivers is a year-long priority for police in Lancashire and we will continue to crack down on drink and drug driving to help make our roads safer.”

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “The figures released today show that Lancashire Police continues to take strong action to stop drink driving especially at Christmas time. The targeted approach means that police resources are focussed on problem areas.

“Drink driving needlessly puts lives at risk and will not be tolerated. We are committed to making Lancashire’s roads as safe as possible all year round but these targeted campaigns make a real difference at the time of year when the dangers of drink driving should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind.”

County Coun John Fillis, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs is a risk simply not worth taking.

“You’re many times more likely to cause a crash if you’re over the limit than a driver who hasn’t been drinking. The evidence is clear that drivers can continue to be over the limit the morning after drinking and it’s vital that people are aware of that danger.

“The prevention of drink driving is a high priority in Lancashire and we’ll continue to work closely with the police to keep people safe on our roads.”

If you would like to report someone who you suspect of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, contact the police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.