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12
Jan 2024
Increase in number of arrests in Christmas drink and drug drive campaign
The Harrogate district saw the highest number of arrests in the county once again during North Yorkshire Police’s winter drink and drug drive campaign.
A total of 731 roadside tests were completed in North Yorkshire during December, with 18.5% of those testing positive to being over the limit for drink or drug driving — a 6.9% increase from the year prior.
Of those arrested, 76% were male and 24% were female.
Police attributed the increase to a “more targeted approach to catching drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
The results, which were published today, show 21% of arrests were made in the Harrogate district. Last year 33 of 121 countywide arrests during the campaign were made in the district.
Scarborough (19%) and York (16%) accounted for the most arrests this year after Harrogate.
Police said the reason drivers were stopped and asked to provide a sample including committing a moving traffic offence (522), suspicion (138) and being involved in a collision (71).
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There were no drink or drug related fatal collisions throughout the period of the campaign.
The highest reading taken during a roadside test was 118. The offender was given a 28-month disqualification and a fine at York Magistrates Court.
Chief inspector Alex Butterfield, from specialist operations, said in a statement:
Police urged anyone that suspects a person may be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to dial 101 or 999 if the risk is imminent.
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