Avon and Somerset Police made multiple arrests thanks to 'Operation Tonic' over six weeks last year.

The National Police Chiefs' Council launched the Winter 2022 Drink and Drug Driving Operation to make roads safer.

The force cracked down on drink and drug driving during the months of November and December last year. This lead to Avon and Somerset Police making 346 arrests over the winter. The operation ran between 21st November and 31st December.

Avon and Somerset Police saw a thirteen percent increase in arrests made on the previous year for the same crimes. 287 arrests were made in December 2022, compared to 246 in 2021.

Drink driving accounted for 216 offences and drug driving for 130, with a dramatic increase in people using drugs and getting behind the wheel since last year. Thirty nine offences occurred in the same period last year.

The operation also lead to the force being notified of other offences, such as speeding, dangerous driving, and illegal vehicle conditions.

Drivers risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving while above the legal limit. Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug driving could face life imprisonment.

Information about drink/drug drivers can be reported online at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report or by calling 101 (always 999 in an emergency and if someone is currently driving under the influence of drink or drugs). Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.