Festive rise in drink and drug driving arrests

MORE than 130 drivers were caught under the influence of drink or drugs during a campaign by Leicestershire Police last month.

- By STAFF REPORTER

The force reported yesterday that 132 arrests had been made - 85 on suspicion on drink-driving, 35 for drug-driving and 12 drivers who failed to provide a specimen.

Police said 47 of those arrests followed a collision.

The numbers represent a steady increase - in 2023, the figure was 102 arrested, and the 2024 drink and drug drive campaign led to 115 arrests.

Jonathan Clarkson, spokesperson for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership, said: “It is extremely disappointing that so many drivers chose to ignore our advice and made the wrong choice to get behind the wheel while over the limit and now face the prospect of starting 2026 with a criminal conviction.”