The police stopped a total of 360 vehicles during their Christmas anti drink and drug driving campaign.

The campaign was carried out during the festive period, between December 4 and January 3.

Out of the 360 stops, 72 drivers were subject to roadside breath tests, resulting in 16 arrests for driving whilst impaired.

Of the 16 drivers who were arrested, seven were charged for driving whilst over the prescribed limit, six have been bailed awaiting results, and three were released after having been found to be under the legal limit.

2019 figures

This total matches the 16 arrests made during the 2019 campaign, which had 323 vehicle stops.

Sergeant Mike Taylor commented: ’December is a busy month for the constabulary due to the anti drink and drug drive campaign.

’Roads policing officers worked amended shift patterns and were supported by colleagues from across the organisation to ensure the maximum amount of officers were available at relevant times to keep our roads safe.

’We have continued to build our relationship with the taxi trade and Bus Vannin, who played a pivotal role by providing the services to get people home safely after a night out.

’Despite having the taxis and an enhanced bus service available, it is disappointing to see that some people took the unacceptable risk of choosing drink and drug driving.

’They will be suitably dealt with by the courts.

’We are committed to ensuring we have a high visibility presence on our island’s roads at all times and we will continue to target drink and drug drivers throughout the year.

’I would urge people who choose to drink or drug drive to think about their actions and the consequences it may have on their future.’

elfs

The latest campaign was promoted with two elements, the ’Respect’ campaign - which was a partnership between the licensing trade, Ellan Vannin Fuels, the police central alcohol unit (which liaises with licensed premises), taxi companies and Bus Vannin - and was aimed at encouraging party goers to respect others as well as themselves.

In addition to this, the roads policing unit also used the approach of the ’Christmas Elf’ campaign.

This involved pictures of a Christmas elf doll being used to depict to the drink drive process from arrest through to court, including the elf being ’breathalised’ and locked in a police cell.

The forced stated that the elf posts had been ’strategically planned to get people to think about their actions’.