Disappointing figures show that many ignored a striking winter drink drug drive campaign.

Leicestershire and Rutland Police made 102 arrests during its recent winter drink drug drive campaign, newly released figures show.

The figures, which were an increase on the same period in 2022, came as something of a shock to police officers who had made a concerted effort in the weeks leading up to the holiday period to get across the seriousness of the message not to drink or take drugs and drive at the same time.

Jonathan Clarkson, spokesperson for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership, said: "It is extremely disappointing that so many drivers chose to ignore our advice and made the wrong choice to get behind the wheel while over the limit and now face the prospect of starting the New Year with a criminal conviction."

Drug and drink drivers hit the roads this festive season. Image credit: LDRS.

Leicestershire and Rutland Police made 102 arrests during the winter drink drug drive campaign: this included 75 drink, 18 drug and nine drivers who failed to provide.

Thirty of those arrested were following a roadside collision, 19 of those detained were caught between the hours of 6am and 6pm, while 17 were drivers aged 24 or under.

Of the 102 arrests, 54 were in Leicester city with the remainder spread across rural towns and villages.

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A campaign with sobering images on a coffin led the charge against Christmas drink and drug driving. Image credit: LDRS.

Mr Clarkson added the following advice: "If you see someone who appears to be a drink or drug driver enter a vehicle to drive away, make a note of the registration plate and the direction of travel and call your local police on 101 or make a make a free and anonymous call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."