Police have revealed how many arrests they have made over the festive period as part of a crackdown on drink and drug driving.

At the start of December Devon and Cornwall Police launched its Lift Legend campaign, in which designated drivers are entitled to a free soft drink in participating venues, in a bid to tackle drink and drug driving.

Drunk and drug driving is one of the ‘fatal five’ causes of serious injuries and deaths on roads in the south west, and last winter 952 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/ or drugs.

During the month-long operation, which ends on January 1, 2024, Devon and Cornwall Police have been using social media channels to raise awareness of the dangers involved with drink and drug driving, carrying out intelligence-led checks and engaging with motorists on the risks of getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or taking drugs.

Now the force has revealed how many people have been arrested so far since December 1 – and warned anyone heading out on New Year’s Eve not to risk driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In an update it said: “This December, we have arrested 141 people on suspicion of drink driving and 74 on suspicion of drug driving.

“Anyone caught drink or drug driving, faces a minimum 12 month driving ban, an unlimited fine and a criminal record. “So, if you’re planning to have a few drinks this weekend, make sure you plan your journey home – don’t drink and drive.”

The force has already shown that festivities make no difference when it comes to upholding the law.

Posting in the early hours of Christmas Day, the Devon and Cornwall Police Roads Policing Team posted on X, formerly Twitter, about an arrest that night.

Falmouth Packet: A vehicle stopped during the night of Christmas Eve into Christmas DAyA vehicle stopped during the night of Christmas Eve into Christmas DAy (Image: Devon and Cornwall Police Roads Policing Team)

Despite “trying to be in the festive mood,” the team were forced to make a stop in Truro and leave the person behind the wheel no long driving home for Christmas due to multiple offences.

The team said: “Trying to be in the festive mood but when you drive with an expired MOT, no insurance and expired non EU licence there's only one thing we can do. One motorist found this out this evening.”

They went on to explain that the vehicle had been seized as a result.