The Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has relaunched its annual drink and drug driving enforcement campaign, Operation Holly.
Running across the whole month of December, officers will be increasing patrols and enforcement activity on the Island’s roads over the festive period.
Driving while impaired through drink or drugs can significantly increase the chances of road users being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision.
With World Cup matches as well as Christmas parties taking place this December, we are calling on all motorists to think about the consequences of driving while impaired and arrange alternative transport.
Chief Inspector Chris Spellerberg, of the Roads Policing Unit, said:
“Our annual Op Holly campaign aims to highlight the cost of being convicted of a drink or drug driving offence.
“You do not want to spend the new year facing arrest, costly fines, the implications of losing your licence and in the worst-case scenario having to live with the knowledge that you have seriously injured or killed someone. Last December we arrested more than 200 people for drink or drug driving offences.
“With World Cup matches taking place during the build up to Christmas and New Year, we know many people will be out socialising. If a friend or family member is planning to drive while over the limit then please also remind them of the consequences and encourage them to reconsider their plans.”
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Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones added:
“Drink and drug driving kills. There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to get behind the wheel if they are unfit to drive.
“I know the vast majority of drivers are responsible but sadly there are still those who, despite the obvious dangers, continue to take to the road under the influence of drink or drugs, particularly at this time of year.
“As Commissioner, people tell me how important road safety is to them and how we need more visible policing of our road networks.
If you know someone is drink or drug driving call 999 if it is happening now. You can also provide information for a non-emergency by calling 101 or Crimestoppers.
‘call 999 if it is happening now’. I did that once and they told me, quite rudely, that it wasn’t an emergency and to call 101 instead. I did and it took about 40 minutes to report it. They said they would look into it.
Sadly not just at Christmas time, all year round! Many will be caught no doubt.
Selfish and incredibly stupid to drink/drug drive. Impose MAHOOSIVE fines, they might stop doing it then.
This is all very well and I’m hopeful that many selfish drunken and drugged scumbags will be caught. Many more won’t be, of course.
But the useless courts will not be able to give sentences that are a real deterrent, so the problem will remain.
Good catch them if can afford to drink can afford to get a taxi or someone sober to pick them up isn’t rocket science …
And 199 of the 200 drink drivers caught last year are probably still driving (illegally) on our roads. If they are prepared to drive while over the limit they won’t let a little thing like being banned stop them.
Bird bird bird is the word
Hey and dancing behind movies screen
Brimful of asha on 45
1 week since u look me
Dancing in the moonlight every night
And I feeling glad all over yes I’m glad all over
Hey you. Guys!!!! Yes I’m a goonies