ESSEX Police are launching their crackdown on Christmas drinkers today, with one arrest made already.
Officers will also be increasing rush hour stop checks to crack down on people who could still be unfit to drive the morning after a night of drinking.
On the first day of the campaign a 24-year-old man from Buckhurst Hill has been arrested and charged with drink driving.
Tommy Bishop of Kings Place has been released on bail to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on December 16, 2014.
This year the Essex force has teamed up with other police forces to spread the message using The Honest Truth – a road safety campaign created by Devon and Cornwall Police. Essex Police's Anti-Drink Drive Campaign runs from Monday, December 1 to Thursday, January 1, 2015.
The image shows a man with the head of a bulldog at a Christmas party. In one hand he holds a glass of champagne and in the other a bunch of mistletoe.
As well as breath tests, officers will also be testing drivers for drug use with roadside impairment tests and targeting those who use the road to commit other types of crime.
Residents will be able to keep up to date with how many drivers have been breathalysed during December on the Essex Police website.
A totaliser showing the number of people breathalysed and found to be over the legal alcohol limit will be regularly updated and can be accessed from the homepage at www.essex.police.uk.
Adam Pipe, Casualty Reduction manager, is heading up this year's campaign. He said: "Every year I am shocked that some selfish and foolish people still choose to put lives at risk by drinking and driving.
"Sleeping it off after a night out or drinking a strong coffee doesn't mean you're fit to drive. Alcohol takes time to work its way through your system and you could find yourself over the limit the morning after.
"Christmas is a time for fun and celebration. We don't want to spoil that but are asking everyone to remember the message of our campaign because the consequences of drink driving really do last much longer than a hangover.
"Drinking driving risks lives, not just that of the driver and their passengers but other innocent people using the road.It can result in a criminal record, the loss of a driving licence or a fine of up to £5000.
"More seriously, it can kill or injure someone and leave the driver facing up to 14 years in prison and having to live with their actions for the rest of their lives.
"Please be a safe and responsible driver this Christmas, please don't drink and drive."
Essex Police are asking everyone over Christmas to:
- Stopping family and friends getting behind the wheel if they've had an alcoholic drink
- Dialling 999 if you know someone is drunk and you see them getting behind the wheel of a vehicle
- Giving information about people who regularly choose to drink and drive by calling Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Ann Scott, eastern regional manager for Crimestoppers, said: "Too many people lost their lives last year due to drink drive incidents. But, there are still people out there who regularly drink drive and refuse to change their behaviour.
"We want to make the roads a safer place for everyone and we would urge you to give information to Crimestoppers anonymously about anyone who is regularly drink driving.
"Crimestoppers never ask for your name or take any personal details, we cannot trace calls or track information given online and we do not record our calls.
"You will not have to give a statement to police or go to court. We don't want to know who you are, just what you know. By taking action you could be helping to save a life – whether it's the driver or an innocent victim."
