North Yorkshire Police are warning those who choose to drink or take drugs and get behind a wheel this Christmas, if you are over the limit you will be under arrest.
Starting from 1 December, Police will be launching Operation Attention and will be out to ensure that those who put their own lives and other road user’s life at risk, are caught and prosecuted.
Alongside detecting drink driving, drug driving will also be a major focus of the campaign. There are now more officers than ever, who have undergone specialist training to enable them to identify the tell-tale signs of drug taking and they are equipped with road side drug tests which enable instant results.
Police are also keen to remind road users that it’s not just about having a drink or taking drugs and getting straight into the car – you can also be over the limit the morning after.
Throughout the campaign, which runs up to 1 January, the Police will be publishing regular updates of the number of arrests made and prosecutions via their website and social media accounts.
This information will be made available via the website at www.northyorkshirepolice.co.uk/OpAttention and on Twitter and Facebook, using the hashtag #overthelimitunderarrest
Speaking about this year’s campaign Traffic Sergeant Andy Morton of the Force’s Roads Policing Group said:
“Anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs should know that we will be out and about waiting.”
“Every Christmas we try to educate people about the devastation and heartbreak that drink and drug driving can cause. Please consider how you will get home, if you are intending to have a drink, leave the car and do not drive at all.”
“If you know of someone who is driving under the influence of drink or drugs, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and pass the details to the Force Control Room – you may save someone’s life.”
Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said:
“We want people to have a safe and happy Christmas, but drivers must ensure they take responsibility and do not drink or take drugs and drive.”
“Be in no doubt that if people choose to get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs, they will be arrested and brought before the courts and will face serious consequences .”