Greater Manchester Police Christmas drink drive operation

Date published: 30 November 2007

Greater Manchester Police will today (Friday 30 November) launch its Christmas Drink Drive operation and officers are warning motorists that an extra pint or drink just isn’t worth it.

According to officers there still seems to be the perception that "one more won’t hurt’ with people thinking they are safe to get behind the wheel after a few drinks.

GMP is warning that this isn’t the case and just a couple of drinks can put people over the legal limit.

Inspector Andy Hudson, who is heading up this year’s operation said: "That one extra drink can mean loss of driving licence, loss of job or much worse the loss of life.  This Christmas we are asking people to consider whether those couple of drinks are worth it.  

"Different strengths of alcohol, size of the measures and people’s metabolism can all affect the amount of alcohol in their system.  There’s no such rule as "two pints and I’ll be alright’.  It’s better to be safe than sorry and not drink at all if you plan to drive later."

The annual Christmas operation will last until 31 December and will involve extra patrols and roadside checks.  In addition there will also be more than 200 officers specially trained in testing for drugs.

Last year 12,587 breath tests were carried out – more than 400 every day.  Of these 434 were positive or refused tests, just over three per cent.  Thirty-eight drivers were also tested for driving under the influence of drugs, with nine of these proving positive.

Inspector Hudson continues: "Last year we saw a reduction in the numbers testing positive which shows that the message is getting through.  However more than 400 people drink driving is still far too many.  The effects of drink driving are devastating and we are determined to bring people who continue to flout the law in this way to justice."

If caught drink driving people face a ban from driving, a fine of up to £5,000 and imprisonment.

GMP’s campaign coincides with the launch of the Department for Transport’s national Think! Drink Drive campaign.