Drink driving crackdown 'encouraging', says force

More than 80 people were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug-driving as part of a police crackdown across Cambridgeshire in December.

Cambridgeshire Police said at least 45 of these drivers have been charged and seven have already been sentenced.

Some drivers lost their licences after being caught over the limit or failing to provide a breath test, while some drivers were arrested after calls from worried members of the public, while others were involved in crashes and then breathalysed.

The force's casualty reduction officer PC Nick Southern called the results "encouraging".

In 2024, a total of 812 arrests related to drink and drug-driving were made across Cambridgeshire, compared to 781 in 2023.

Officers carried out extra roadside checks across the county and a dedicated operation also took place at Cambridge Services on the A14 targeting the "fatal five" driving offences, vehicle roadworthiness and modern-day slavery.

In addition, 14 pubs and venues signed up to support the campaign by backing the "I'm DES" scheme, where they give free or discounted soft drinks to designated drivers.

Calls to the force's confidential hotline increased, with eight calls in December, compared to five in November, the force said.

PC Southern said: "I hope our campaign has made drivers think twice about getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs, and also highlighted how long alcohol can remain in your system.

"Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your driving ability. If you're drinking, even if you just have one, arrange another way of getting home.

"It is encouraging to see that some of the arrests during the campaign were thanks to calls from concerned members of the public. This has helped show that however you contact us, your information does make a difference.

"Our dedicated hotline [0800 032 0845] is available all year round, not just for Christmas."

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