Disappointment as drink-drive figures soar in Avon & Somerset

A total of 231 people were arrested for drink- or drug-driving in Avon & Somerset as part of Operation Tonic - that's 81 more than the previous year, police revealed today.

They said they were disappointed that so many drivers had ignored repeated warnings and chanced getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

Those arrested could now face six months in prison, a driving ban of up to 12 months, a criminal record and may also lose their jobs.

During the high-profile campaign, which ran from December 1 to January 1, a total of 11,984 vehicles were stopped and drink-driving advice given by officers.

Of those stopped, 1,771 motorists were given breath or drugs tests. Of the 231 drivers arrested, 13 were for drug-driving.

For the first time in Avon and Somerset, people were asked to use their mobile phone to report offenders. People were asked to text the word drunk to 81819 and send in information about someone who has got behind the wheel when they are under influence of drink or drugs.

The messages went straight to the police communications centre, where they were dealt with in the same way as an emergency 999 call.

A total of 50 text messages were received and investigated. Chief Inspector John Holt, of Avon and Somerset Police's Operations and Roads Policing Unit, said: "We are very encouraged by the number of people who used the text system, and the many more who expressed their support.

"It is very likely that we will repeat it during the next Operation Tonic campaign in the summer."

And he praised the majority of drivers who had listened to Operation Tonic advice to leave the car behind if they intended to drink.