'Even with the pubs shut' 90 drivers arrested for drink and drug driving in North Yorkshire during lockdown

Police in the county arrested 39 drivers on suspicion of drink driving between January 4 and February 4, and another 51 on suspicion of drug driving.

Superintendent Emma Aldred, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “I am truly shocked and astounded at the number of people found to be under the influence of alcohol despite pubs and bars being closed to drinkers under the lockdown rules.

“This is a stark reminder that having a few alcoholic drinks at home could lead you to still being over the limit the following morning and being unfit to drive.

“It genuinely is not worth running the risk of causing harm to yourself and others and positive action will be taken against those found committing these offences.

“Drinking at home can mean you easily lose track of how much you have had, there are no measures or as much cost to drinking from home which is clearly appealing to most.

“Either way, the consequences are the same. You’re just as likely to be arrested, charged and end up with a driving ban and criminal record. And you’re just as likely kill someone if you crash.

“There are no excuses, no second chances. It’s that simple.”

The number of people arrested for drink driving in North Yorkshire in recent years has fallen from 1,000 in 2016 to 871 in 2020.

But last year emergency services in North Yorkshire dealt with several fatal and serious-injury accidents where drivers provided samples that were over the alcohol limit.

In December alone, they dealt with 29 crashes where a driver was arrested on drink or drug driving offences.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's Group Manager Dave Winspear said: “Every year, we as a fire service see the consequences of drink driving at incidents we attend.

“The impact it has is not only be on those involved but also on the emergency services who are called to assist.

“Please don’t be tempted to have a few drinks at home and then get behind the wheel, and remember that you can still be over the limit the following morning.”

Anyone with concerns about drink or drug driving can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and select option one.

Information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.