London drivers are being urged to stay safe this Christmas and either stay off the booze or get a cab home from nights out.
The police have launched Operation Safeway to ensure the safety of all road users across the capital following research which reveals that there are almost 40% more drink-driving arrests in December than any other month, according to insurer LV.
This campaign will see police officers stationed at key junctions across the capital to educate road users and enforce when necessary.
Please spare a thought for other road users this Christmas – don’t risk your own or others safety #LookOutForEachother #OpSafeway
— Roads&Transport MPS (@MPSRTPC) December 15, 2014
Chief Superintendent Matt Bell Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “Christmas is a busy time of year and we are often distracted by the hustle and bustle of the capital and forget to take our own and other people’s safety into consideration when travelling around, especially on the roads.
“By having officers at key junctions they can help to give out road safety advice and remind people to spare a thought for their own and others safety this Christmas.”
This initiative will run alongside the national anti-drink and drug driving campaign which involves officers carrying out round the clock breath tests and targeting drivers who are over the limit the morning after a night of heavy drinking.
According to a survey of 1,000 drivers by Brake and Direct Line, 32% of UK drivers admit to driving after drinking any amount of alcohol in the last year, while 19% admit driving the morning after having a lot to drink, when they are likely to still be over the limit.
National Policing Lead for Roads Policing, Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, said: “There is an easy way to make sure that the holiday period is a safe and happy one for all concerned: enjoy yourself, celebrate, enjoy the company of family and friends but if you drink – do not drive.
“It’s not worth the risk. Officers are on heightened alert all year round but especially at this time of year.”
“It’s not worth the risk.”
Founder and Managing Partner of The Sethi Partnership Solicitors, Ritu Sethi, explained that the prevalence of drink driving arrests in December is something the firm has noticed for some time.
She said: “Every year we see a rise in cases where the client has been charged with driving while impaired in the days and weeks surrounding the festive period.
“Besides the obvious safety risks, the legal ramifications of drink driving are severe and could result in a six-month sentence, a fine of up to £5,000 and a 12 month disqualification to your driver’s licence or more if the incident causes death or injury to others.”
Picture courtesy of Curzon PR, with thanks
Video courtesy of Met Police, with thanks
