Cambridgeshire Police: Drink-drive arrests rise and hotline calls double

Cambridgeshire Police said it arrested more people over drink-driving in December 2023 than the same period last year

A police force has revealed calls to its hotline reporting people suspected of drink-driving doubled this festive season compared to a month earlier.

Cambridgeshire Police also arrested more people for drink-driving during December than in the same period in 2022.

A total of 91 drink and drug driving related arrests were made compared to 83 in December 2022, an increase of 9%.

Some 48 people had been charged and, so far, seven have lost their licences.

PC Nick Southern, casualty reduction officer, said: "I hope our campaign has made drivers think twice about getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

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

More than 300 drivers were stopped and tested during a single morning

Officers and special constables carried out "morning-after" roadside checks, stopping hundreds of drivers including 336 in a single day.

Calls to a dedicated, confidential, hotline to report suspected drink and drug drivers more than doubled with 13 calls in December compared to six calls in November.

There were a total of 98 calls in 2023 to the hotline which operates 24/7 all year round.

PC Southern added: "It's so positive to see calls to our confidential hotline more than doubled last month and thanks must go to all who have helped us make the county's roads safer for everyone.

"One call really could make all the difference."

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