Drink-drive reward offered as part of Derbyshire Christmas campaign

Anyone who reports a drink-driver to Derbyshire Police could get a reward worth up to £1,000 if the information leads to an arrest and charge.

The scheme, run jointly with Crimestoppers, was also used four years ago with good results, a police spokesman said.

It is part of the force's anti-drinking and driving campaign, which runs until 1 January.

The size of the reward depends on the nature and seriousness of the offence.

'Dizzy spells'

"We want details of the people - where they drink, what sort of vehicle they drive and the registration number," Ch Insp Steve Wilson said.

The earlier campaign resulted in a 12% increase in calls from Derbyshire to Crimestoppers about drinking and driving.

"We want people to tell us about anybody they know [who] are drink-driving and putting other road users at risk ... and we want to be targeted in how we use our powers so we are actually looking at the right people and not doing a blanket breathalyser of people," Ch Insp Wilson said.

David Dawes and his wife Pamela, of Barton-in-Needwood in Derbyshire, who were injured by a drink driver in July, said the reward was an excellent idea.

"We are still suffering six months later - Pam still has to have her head dressing changed because she suffered very serious head injuries."

He said his wife still refused to drive because of the accident and still suffered from dizzy spells.

"People who cause this sort of accident should be made to go the hospital to see the injuries they have caused."