Police Launch Festive Drink Drive Campaign

2 December 2014, 15:05 | Updated: 5 January 2015, 12:04

Our police force say they'll be increasing the number of people they stop and breath test this December.

Devon and Cornwall Police have launched their Festive drink drive campaign with the simple message "If you're going to drink, don't drive".

Inspector Richard Pryce says "Drink driving cannot be tolerated at any time of the year but we will ensure very close attention is being paid over the festive period. Our message is clear and simple: don't drink and drive. 

"It is 50 years this year since the first anti drink drive messages were published in the UK and it is criminal that while there has been a big reduction in those who are detected over the limit, it is still far too many."

In 2012, 30 people were killed in the South West as a result of drink driving. Now anyone who's involved in a collision or offence on our roads will be asked to carry out a breath test.

Inspector Pryce says that people take more risks during the festive season, as there are more social gatherings and parties involving alcohol.

"Preventing death or injury is as simple as pre-booking a taxi back from a party or if in a group, having a designated driver".

12% of people in Devon and Cornwall that will given a breath test in December WILL FAIL.

If someone is drinking and driving now, call 999. To report someone who regularly drinks and drives, call police on 101 or email 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.