Drink-Drive Crackdown Nets 50 Arrests in Two Weeks
North Yorkshire Police launched a hard-hitting drink and drug driving campaign on 1 December 2022 – and the results are staggering. In just over two weeks, officers have arrested 50 offenders across the region, sending a clear message: breaking the law on these roads will not be tolerated.
Arrests Skyrocket Across North Yorkshire
The first week saw 18 arrests, but numbers shot up to 32 in week two, bringing the total to 50. Of those, 38 were men and 12 women. Here’s where the arrests happened over the last seven days:
- Harrogate – 10 arrests
- York – 7 arrests
- Scarborough – 6 arrests
- Hambleton – 4 arrests
- Ryedale – 3 arrests
- Craven – 1 arrest
- Richmondshire – 1 arrest
Shocking Breath Test Results
Some offenders blew nearly four times over the limit. Police were alerted by a member of the public on 13 December about a suspected drink driver in Northallerton. A 46-year-old woman failed a breath test and was arrested. At the station, she refused to provide a sample and now faces charges.
Just days later near Malton, a 52-year-old man was caught driving uninsured with no tax and a breath reading of 124 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath — well over the legal limit. He was charged with multiple offences, including drink driving and driving without insurance.
Campaign Backed by Emmerdale Star and Community
Superintendent Emma Aldred, head of Specialist Operations, said:
“It’s alarming to see that we have arrested 50 people in just over two weeks for drink or drug driving in North Yorkshire. I would like to thank members of the public who are responding to our campaign and providing us with information about people who are driving after consuming drink or drugs. The message is clear; we will not tolerate drink and drug drivers on North Yorkshire’s roads.”
Emmerdale’s Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle, took part in a mock crash to highlight the harsh reality of drink and drug driving. Officers have been patrolling in marked and unmarked vehicles county-wide, including a joint operation on the A66 with Cumbria and Durham Police plus DVSA, targeting commercial drivers. Thankfully, all commercial drivers tested were clean.
Public Urged to Speak Up and Stay Safe
This year’s campaign, running until 31 December, stresses the public’s role in cracking down on offenders. “Save a life and call it in,” police urge anyone who suspects a driver is under the influence to dial 999 immediately.
Early morning roadside checks and “Survive the Drive” talks with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have been rolling out too, educating locals about the dangers of drink and drug driving. Sessions have already been held at Skipton Girls High School and Catterick Garrison.
If you see someone driving under the influence, don’t stay silent – report it. North Yorkshire’s roads need to be safe for everyone.
