Drink and Drug Driving Crackdown Nets 50 Arrests in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire Police launched a no-nonsense drink and drug driving campaign on December 1, 2022. In just over two weeks, officers have slapped the cuffs on 50 offenders—38 men and 12 women caught risking lives on the roads.
Where Are the Offenders? Harrogate Tops the List
- Harrogate – 10 arrests
- york/" title="York" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">York – 7 arrests
- Scarborough – 6 arrests
- Hambleton – 4 arrests
- Ryedale – 3 arrests
- Craven – 1 arrest
- Richmondshire – 1 arrest
High readings came from Northallerton and Malton. On December 13, police in Northallerton hauled in a 46-year-old woman after a breath test revealed she was FOUR times over the legal limit. She then refused to provide another sample and was charged accordingly.
Over in Malton on December 15, a 52-year-old man was nabbed for drink driving, driving uninsured, and not displaying vehicle tax. His breathalyser reading was 124—well over the legal limit. He faces multiple charges.
Campaign Backed by Emmerdale Star and Road Safety Partnerships
Supt. 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.”
She thanked the public for reporting suspected offenders and delivered a strong warning:
“We will not tolerate drink and drug drivers on North Yorkshire’s roads.”
Emmerdale’s Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle, lent his support by taking part in a mock road traffic collision event, warning of the real dangers of drink and drug driving.
Officers have been patrolling in both marked and unmarked cars, with a major operation on the A66 involving police from Cumbria, Durham, and the DVSA targeting commercial drivers—none found guilty of drink or drug driving.
Morning After Checks and Public Engagement to Save Lives
The crackdown doesn’t stop at nighttime. Early morning static breath tests are catching offenders still over the limit from the night before. Road safety talks called ‘Survive the Drive’ teamed up North Yorkshire Police with the Fire and Rescue Service, educating young drivers at Skipton Girls High School and Catterick Garrison.
The key message: “Save a life and call it in.” The campaign urges the public to report suspected drink or drug drivers—dial 999 if you see someone behind the wheel who shouldn’t be.
This hard-hitting campaign runs until December 31, 2022, backed by the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership. The police are out in force, and they’re coming for anyone risking lives behind the wheel.
