Dorset Police’s Christmas campaign saw 53 people charged with drink-driving offences .

The annual drink and drug drive campaign targets those who drive while under the influence.

Officers carried out 413 breath tests during the campaign which ran between Friday, December 1 and Monday, January 1.

Of the 53 people charged with drink-driving related offences, 45 were men and eight were women. The youngest was 18 years old, the oldest was 71 and the average age was 36. 

Police also conducted 78 drug wipe tests at the roadside, with 42 people testing positive for cocaine or cannabis. 

In total, Dorset Police recorded 95 arrests during the campaign – 42 of which were for driving under the influence of drugs, 46 for drink-driving and seven for failing to provide a sample for analysis. 

During the campaign, police encouraged those enjoying a festive drink to plan getting home without driving and reminded motorists of the consequences of driving under the influence.

PC Heidi Moxam, of the traffic unit, said: “I would like to thank those members of the public who called us.”
to report a drink driver.”

If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please dial 999 immediately with the vehicle information and direction of travel. 

To pass information about someone who regularly drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, go to www.dorset.police.uk and click ‘do it online’.