The number of people arrested for drink driving over Christmas has almost doubled in Crewe an Nantwich area.
Shocking figures from Cheshire Police today more than 250 people were nabbed for allegedly drink and drug driving in December.
That included 156 people arrested for drink driving, and another 111 arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of illegal drugs.
And in Crewe and Nantwich area, 31 were arrested for drink driving compared to 19 in the previous year.
Eighteen were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, a slight drop compared to 21 in 2015.
Drug driving arrests across Cheshire rose from 87 in 2015 to 111 last month.
Inspector Steve Griffiths, from the Cheshire Police Roads policing unit, said: “It’s astonishing to see how many people still believe it is acceptable to drive 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 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 alcohol testing kits and drugs wipes.
These can instantly detect whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs behind the wheel.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “It’s pleasing to see the work 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.”
Insp Griffiths added: “I hope the results from this operation demonstrate 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 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.”
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