The annual crackdown on drink and drug driving over the festive period begins in Northamptonshire today (Monday December 1).

“We all have a choice” is the message from Northamptonshire Police on the first day of its winter drink and drug campaign, which lasts a month and sees extra patrols across the county, as well as publicly naming those charged with drink or drug driving during the campaign.

During last year’s campaign, 94 road users were charged with drink driving, 39 were arrested for failing a roadside drug test, while one was arrested on suspicion of both. This compared to 97 and 37 respectively for the same period in 2023.

Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Nichols of the force’s Specialist Operations said: “Our roads are often busier at this time of year with people getting ready for the festive season or visiting family and friends.

A crackdown on drink driving will take place across Northamptonshire in December. (File picture).

placeholder image — A crackdown on drink driving will take place across Northamptonshire in December. (File picture).

“It is never our intention to stop people from having fun, but instead to keep our communities and roads safer to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely to enjoy the festive season the way they planned.

“Although many people are getting better at being more responsible on our roads, there are still some who will try to justify drink or drug driving. However, there is no excuse or validation to behave so selfishly and recklessly. We all have a choice.

“Even the slightest amount of alcohol or drugs in your system can affect the way you drive, which is why our winter campaign is focusing on highlighting the life-changing consequences attached to drink and drug driving.

“No one wants to get that terrible knock on the door to tell them someone they love is not coming home. So, please make the right choice and never drive when you have had an alcoholic drink or taken an illegal substance.”

Northamptonshire Police has launched its annual, festive drink drive campaign.

During the campaign, there will be proactive operations and roadside checks across the county held at various times including in the early morning when drivers could still be impaired from celebrations the night before.

As in previous years, drivers charged with drink driving during the winter campaign will again be named on the Northamptonshire Police website, shared on its social media accounts and in this newspaper.

Det Chief Insp Nichols added: “We do not take the decision to continue to name all drivers charged with drink driving lightly, however for anyone who does not want to be included on this list the message is simple – do not drink and drive.

“It’s not possible to say how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the limit as the way alcohol affects you depends on various factors, and the risks of getting behind the wheel, not just on the night when you have been drinking, but also the morning after, could be fatal.

“If you are out and know you will be drinking, make sure you have plans for getting home safely without driving. If you do have to drive, our advice is to avoid alcohol completely. The only safe limit is none.”

To report suspected drink or drug driving in confidence, call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency when life is in immediate danger, always call 999. Or for more information visit www.northants.police.uk/dontdrinkdrive.