Avon and Somerset Police have launched their annual Christmas Operation Tonic campaign to crack down on anyone driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
As part of the campaign, they’re calling on members of the public to shop a drink or drug driver by ringing 999 or texting the word ‘drunk’ with brief details to 81819 if they see anyone getting behind the wheel while under the influence.
The text message system was introduced two years ago and has had a good response from members of the public. This year they hope that even more people will know about it and use it, giving officers the chance to apprehend offenders and, importantly, deterring people who might think about taking a chance on driving.
To use the text number police are asking people to text ‘drunk’ and any information which might help them respond, such as the registration number of the vehicle, its location or details of the driver.
Operation Tonic, which will run from 29th November until 1st January, forms part of the Have the Christmas You Deserve campaign that will run throughout December.
The Christmas campaign incorporates a range of activities to tackle issues relating to the festive period, such as keeping your Christmas gifts secure and tackling drink related offences, including violence, ASB and drink driving.
By targeting drink and drug driving, Operation Tonic aims to help reduce deaths, serious injuries and crime on the roads of the Avon and Somerset force area.
Drink/drugs driving is one of the so-called ‘fatal four’ offences, together with speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving, that are known major causes of collisions.
Last Christmas a total of 857 motorists were given breath tests across the Avon and Somerset area and 136 people were arrested and charged as a result of positive breath tests.
Chief Inspector Yan Georgiou of the Operations and Roads Policing Unit said: “We will be carrying out a number of police activities throughout December to target drink and drug drivers, including high visibility and covert patrols.
“The public can also help by calling 999 or texting 81819 if they see someone who they believe is driving while over the limit.
“We will be watching out for drunk drivers but the public will also be keeping an eye out and together we can make it very difficult for drivers under the influence of drink or drugs to consider getting behind the wheel and posing a threat to other drivers and road users.”
