Police ask public to report drink drivers in Derbyshire

The constabulary is again working with Crimestoppers for the campaign which runs until 1st January.

Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £1,000 for information leading to the arrest and charge of a drink-driver. The size of the reward depends on the nature and seriousness of the offence.

Posters will be displayed in pubs and clubs across the county asking people to report anyone they see getting behind the wheel after drinking.

During last year’s campaign, officers conducted 391 breath tests and of those 79 (almost 20 per cent) gave a positive test, the driver refused to take the test or the driver failed to provide a sample.

Drink and drug-drive operations are in action all year round, but police put a particular focus on December because of the number of social events which go hand-in-hand with the season’s festivities.

Chief Inspector Steve Wilson, head of roads policing in Derbyshire, said: This time of year is one of celebration for many including work parties and especially with family and friends. Our message is simple – if you are having a drink don’t drive.

“Our campaign is very much intelligence led and by working with Crimestoppers it will allow us to target those who persistently drink and drive rather than conducting mass-testing.

“I would urge anyone with information about a drink driver to contact police or Crimestoppers and we will act on it wherever possible.

“If you drink alcohol or take drugs before driving, we’ll catch up with you. We are determined to make our roads safer and this starts by removing those individuals who recklessly drink and drug drive on our roads.”

To report a drink-driver contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For information about Crimestoppers visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.