Cheshire Police target Nantwich drink and drug drivers in December

Drink and drug drivers in and around Nantwich are being targeted by Cheshire Police’s Operation Blue Christmas.

Officers will be targeting suspected drink and drug drivers throughout December to reduce the number of fatal and serious collisions on the county’s roads.

Latest figures show there has been an eight per cent rise in the number of drink drive arrests in Cheshire so far in 2014.

Supt Bev Raistrick said: “Christmas is a time when many families come together to celebrate and enjoy themselves, and often a time for reminiscing and happy memories.

“Unfortunately, this Christmas there are a number of families in Cheshire who will not be celebrating.

“Instead they will be thinking about their loved ones who have been killed in fatal road traffic collisions involving alcohol.

“My officers have to deal with the devastating aftermath that drink drivers leave behind on a daily basis.

“Not only are they responding to collisions, but they are also working with the families of innocent victims, who have been killed as a result of drink driving.”

This year marks the  50th anniversary since the first anti-drink drive campaign was held.

Supt Raistrick added: “Although the number of drink drivers has decreased dramatically over that period, there are still a small number of people who believe that it is acceptable to drive under the influence of alcohol.

“One of the issues that concerns me is the fact that we have seen an eight per cent increase in the number of drink drive arrests in Cheshire so far in 2014.

“It is particularly worrying that a large number of those arrested are young people who have their whole lives ahead of them.

“I am appealing to the parents of young motorists to ask them set an example and to speak to their children about the dangers of drink driving and the devastating effects that it could have on their lives. By working together we can help reduce the number of deaths on our roads.”

Anyone who suspects a driver is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.