Police plan festive drinking and driving crackdown

The force carried out 654 breath tests last December

A police force plans to breathalyse hundreds of drivers in a festive crackdown on driving while drunk or on drugs.

Cumbria Police urged motorists to plan ahead to avoid getting behind the wheel while over the alcohol limit.

In the same period last year, there were 23 serious crashes in the county, five of them fatal, the force said.

"We know our officers are going to find scores of drivers over the coming weeks who are unfit through drink or drugs," Insp Jack Stabler said.

“Those we catch are the lucky ones, as there is a significant likelihood that we have caught them before they have caused devastation and potentially tragedy to themselves or other road users.

“There is no excuse for being intoxicated behind the wheel and anyone who is caught can expect a significant driving ban as a minimum.”

'Incredibly selfish'

During last year's December operation, officers from the force road's policing unit carried out 654 breath tests and made 63 arrests for drink driving and 84 for drug driving.

Insp Stabler said officers targeted drink and drug drivers every day, but "we know that the temptation is greatest at this time of year".

“That is why it is so important for people to make plans for getting home in advance of going out," he said.

Motorists driving while over the limit can be fined, banned from driving or jailed.

Those who kill someone whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be jailed for life.

Cumbria deputy police, fire and crime commissioner Mike Johnson said those who flout the law in this way are "incredibly selfish".

"Not only does the driver place their own life at risk, but they endanger the lives of innocent drivers, passengers and pedestrians as well," he said.

He called on people to report to police those driving while drunk or on drugs.