Arrested for drink and drug driving are up 15.4 per cent on last year, figures from the first 11 days of Hampshire Constabulary’s campaign show.
There has already been 90 arrests across the county – 77 male and 13 female – since the launch of the campaign, Operation Holly, on December 1. Nine of these arrests have been in the Portsmouth area and 20 have been in central Hampshire – which includes Fareham and Gosport. Of those arrested, 65 have been charged, 14 have been bailed pending further enquiries and 11 have been released with no further action.
PC Mark Clarke said: ‘These results are bitter-sweet because, while we are identifying and arresting more suspected drink drivers this year, it shows that people just aren’t getting the message not to drink and drive. Alcohol is not more important than a safe journey home, it’s not more important than the lives of your passengers, than you, and it’s not more important than the people walking home in your path.’
Police are asking the public to text 80999 if they suspect anyone of driving drunk or being drug impaired behind the wheel.
Original article published by: http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/east-hampshire/arrest_figures_for_drink_or_drug_driving_increase_in_hampshire_1_3336421