Police promise extra patrols during festive drink drive crackdown

Greater Manchester Police has launched its annual crackdown on drink driving during the Christmas and New year period.

The campaign, which will run throughout December and into the New Year, aims to tackle drink driving during the party season.

It runs until January 1 and will see an intensified police presence across all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs, with officers conducting roadside breath and drug testing operations at strategic locations.

During last year’s operation police  arrested 507 motorists for drink or drug driving offences.

Nineteen arrests were made on Christmas Eve, 13 on Christmas Day and 43 on New Year’s Eve.  

Arrests in 2023 saw a 16.25 per cent increase compared to 2022, for a range of offences, not just drink and drug driving. 

Police say the increase was a result of more roads policing officers being recruited, an increase in road-side drug wipe training for district officers, as well as an increase in breathalyser kits which rolled out in December 2023. 

Chief Insp Michael Parker, from the Safer Transport Team, said: “We’re committed to making Greater Manchester’s roads safer for everyone, and we will be relentless in pursuing those who put lives at risk by driving under the influence. 

“Our officers witness first-hand the devastating aftermath of drink and drug driving collisions; they are entirely preventable. 

“We know people will be celebrating with friends, families, and colleagues during the festive period, and we’re not here to stop people having a good time.  

“We’re asking people to plan ahead – book a taxi, arrange a designated driver, or stay overnight. Remember, you could still be over the limit the morning after drinking – it’s not worth the risk. 

“The consequences of drink or drug driving can be devastating and life-changing, not only do offenders risk losing their licence and potentially their job, but they also risk taking innocent lives. 

“No Christmas party or night out is worth that.”

n If you are concerned someone is going to drink or drug drive, report it immediately by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can report any information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.