EIGHTEEN motorists have been arrested in Barnsley so far this month in relation to drink and drug driving offences.
According to the police, ten individuals have already been charged, while eight remain under investigation following the force’s annual Christmas enforcement campaign.
The operation began on December 1 and has seen officers carrying out routine patrols on Barnsley’s roads to ensure that anyone driving or riding is doing so safely and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Sergeant Matt Duffy said: “We’ve been running similar enforcement operations over the festive period for years now, so I’d hope the public aren’t too shocked or surprised to learn that we’ve been doing these patrols again this December. It’s a sad fact that every year, with the hundreds of people that we test, there are still those individuals who blow over the limit for alcohol or test positive for drugs. Consuming alcohol or taking drugs severely impairs your ability to drive they affect your concentration, slow your reactions and your movements any of which could have fatal consequences. The festive season is one to enjoy with your loved ones, friends and family, so please keep yourselves safe and don’t drive or ride under the influence.
“It’s always worth remembering that you can also read a positive breath test the morning after so if you need to drive or ride the following morning, make sure you take this into consideration.”
The campaign will run until January and Superintendent Sarah Poolman said more patrols will be scheduled as Christmas Day approaches.
“It’s a very busy period for us and we will continue to target drink and drug drivers,” she added.
