78 drink and drug drivers apprehended in Derbyshire over the festive period
Throughout December, Derbyshire Constabulary joined forces with the Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service in the ‘Don’t Get Wrecked’ Christmas drink and drug driving enforcement campaign.
The Roads Policing Unit worked tirelessly in a four-week long operation, conducting over 180 breath tests and 77 drug swipes - resulting in 78 drivers testing positive for drink or drug driving offences.
Due to the closure of bars and restaurants, we saw a decrease in drink related offences by 35%, however, 37 drivers still took to the roads whilst over the drink drive limit, with the highest reading recording 105 milligrams of alcohol in 100ml of breath - the legal limit is 35.
Between 1 December 2020 and 1 January 2021, drug driving offences increased by over 70% compared to the same period in 2019, with 41 drivers being found to have cocaine, cannabis or a mixture of both in their systems.
These drivers’ selfish actions, led to several collisions taking place on Derbyshire’s roads.
Inspector Greg Hunt, who leads the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the biggest causes of accidents and fatalities across the UK. Sadly, even despite the current Covid-19 restrictions in place, people still chose to get behind the wheel whilst intoxicated.
“Each day, road collisions have lethal consequences for victims, families and communities and often they could have been easily prevented.
“I am proud of the integral work of our officers from across the county, during this enforcement campaign. The 2020 campaign may now be over, but we will still be out continuing to safeguard our streets and keep others from harm.”
Hardyal Dhindsa, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “While this campaign was intelligence-driven, I’m disappointed to see so many motorists continuing to put themselves, other drivers and pedestrians at risk by drink or drug driving - despite the very clear advice of police and road safety partners.
“It is a well-known fact that driving while under the influence of drink and drugs can have fatal consequences for the driver and innocent motorists or bystanders, putting families through the pain of unnecessary loss and devastation.
“Road safety remains one of my top priorities and I am determined to ensure those who flout the laws are brought to justice. I would like to thank the road safety team for their support and dedication during this campaign and for ensuring these dangerous drivers are taken off the roads.
“The message is clear; if you drive while under the influence of drink or drugs, there will be serious consequences.”
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Special Concert To Celebrate 140 Years Of Somercotes Salvation Army Somercotes Salvation Army Corps was first formed in 1886, starting out in stables until a tin structure was built read more | |
| Free NHS Health Checks Brought Directly To Derbyshire Workplaces Employers across Derbyshire are being encouraged to sign up for a free service that brings health checks directly in read more | |
| RMT suspends strike action on 16 and 17 September East Midlands Railway (EMR), operated by Transport UK, will run a full timetable on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September after RM read more | |
| EMR launches Family Saver ticket for October half term, with savings up to 42% East Midlands Railway (EMR), operated by Transport UK, has launched a new Family Saver ticket on its C read more | |
| ADA Belfield Care Centre Update An experienced care provider is to take over the running of Ada Belfield care centre in Belper following negotiations. read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Food waste recycling is coming to Amber Valley From June 2026, Amber Valley Borough Council will introduce weekly food waste recycling across the borough as part of a phased roll-ou read more | |
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
