Is it worth the risk? The Thames Valley Police anti-drink drive campaign is coming to end but with people out celebrating tonight to see in the New Year officers will be targeting drivers who are still prepared to take the risk and get behind the wheel.
In the Thames Valley 245 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving since the start of the campaign on 1 December and 23:59pm on Monday (29/12).
The 'Is it worth the risk?' campaign has seen 200 men and 45 women arrested. Currently this year this shows there has been 17 percent decrease in arrests of women (down from 54 this time last year) and a 1 percent increase in arrests of men (up from 198 this time last year).
In total, 139 of the arrested people have been charged, with 71 bailed and 35 released with no further action.
This year's arrests show a 3 percent decrease on the 252 arrests made during the same period in 2012.
The campaign, which runs up to and including Wednesday 1st January, 2014, will see police targeting individuals they suspect of driving under the influence of drink or drugs, both on the way home from nights out and the morning after a heavy night.
Of the arrests, 89 have been made in Berkshire, 94 in Buckinghamshire and 62 in Oxfordshire.
Chief Inspector for Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Roads Policing Unit, Henry Parsons said: "As we move in to the final days of the Christmas anti-drink drive campaign officers will continue to tackle drink drivers at every opportunity.
"We want you all to enjoy whatever it is that you are doing to see in the New Year and will continue to stop those that are still taking the risk. Having a drink and getting behind the wheel can cost lives, and those caught will face serious consequences. I would like to thank the public for their ongoing support for our 'Is it worth the risk?' campaign".
