Christmas drink-driving down by half as Covid shuts Northamptonshire's pubs and cancels parties

Covid-19 shut the pubs and cancelled Christmas parties — meaning around half last year's number of drink-drivers were caught on Northamptonshire's roads during December's annual crackdown.

Provisional figures revealed Police charged 43 motorists with being over the limit for either alcohol or drugs during December 2020.

Last year's number of 84 motorists charged was up by around 25 per cent on 2018.

Most bars across the county stayed closed between the end of the national lockdown on December 2 and being forced to shut by Tier Three restrictions on Boxing Day.

The few that did open were those able to serve food.

Seven of those charged have already been banned for up to three years with fines and court costs totalling nearly £1,500.

Edwin Joseph Collier was jailed for 20 weeks just hours after the 54-year-old, of no fixed address, was caught driving while disqualified and over the limit.

Northampton magistrates also issued a warrant for the arrest of Omar Ugur, 48, of North London after he failed to appear in court on January 14 having been charged with failing to provide a breath specimen on December 21.

Northamptonshire Police named all drivers arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving as part of the month-long campaign — but warned they are still on alert for offenders all year round.

Drink or drug-driving is one of the 'Fatal Four' offences — alongside speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and using a phone behind the wheel — which Police say are the biggest contributory factors to death and serious injuries on the county's roads.

PC Dave Lee from the Safer Roads Team, said: “There is absolutely no excuse or circumstance that could ever justify drink or drug driving – it is exceptionally selfish and reckless. Not only are you risking your own life, but those of innocent road users.

“The majority of people know how dangerous it is to take the risk of driving under the influence and though we share this message every year, I guarantee there will be some who still choose to ignore it. Please don’t be one of these drivers.

“We continue to be out in force, ready and waiting to seek strong penalties for all those found to be offending. If you do not want a conviction for drink or drug driving, please make sure your name is not included on our list.”