GMP Christmas Drink Drive Campaign

Date published: 30/11/2006

Greater Manchester Police Christmas Drink Drive Campaign will run from Friday 01 December  2006 until 01 January 2007 and coincide with the national campaign.

Drivers need to plan their journeys home from evenings out over the Christmas period. GMP aims to cut down the needless amount of collisions due to drinking or using drugs whilst driving. There is  always an alternative, for example getting a taxi, bus, or designating one driver to drink soft  drinks. The advice is simple but drivers still think they are safe to drive after consuming alcohol, or taking drugs, and that includes some prescription drugs.

During the 2005 Christmas Drink/Drug Drive Campaign, there were 7,132 breath tests administered, of which 365, (5.1%) were positive, refused or failed tests.

GMP has concentrated on training more officers to carry out Field Impairment Tests (FIT Tests), and they will be testing drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs during the campaign.

The reality of drink driving is that the offender could face a ban from driving, a fine of up to £5,000 and imprisonment.

Chief  Inspector  Karen  Jameson  from GMP’s Traffic Network Service said: "Everyone has a right to to enjoy the Chrstmas Festivities without tragic consequences brought about by the few who wrongly believe they can get away with  drink driving. GMP’s officers will carry out tests on those suspected of driving  under the influence of drink or drugs, and the public can also assist  by  ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, to report offenders. The caller will not be asked for their name."

Delwyn  Wray, Head of Services for the Greater Manchester Area of the North West Ambulance Service  explained: "Christmas is the time of year when everyone wants to enjoy themselves and have a good time. Sadly for many families, this is ruined when they lose someone they love in a road traffic collision. Far too often our crews attend incidents where innocent people have  been injured or killed as a result of someone driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. When you take the decision to drive a car  after having a drink, you take the risk that someone will end the journey in the back of an ambulance. Extra resources will be made available by  the  North  West Ambulance Service to deal with an expected increase in demand placed on the Trust throughout December and January."

"We are urging the public to play their part in ensuring everyone has a safe Christmas by helping the health services provide the most appropriate response to meet their needs."