Closure of pubs may actually mean an increase in drink driving this Christmas, says Humberside Police chief

Police carrying out random breathalyser tests in a crackdown on drink driving in Sheffield last December

Chief Superintendent Darren Downs, of Humberside Police’s Operation Galaxy, claims the closure of the hospitality sector in Tier 3 areas, combined with a four-day period of relaxed lockdown restrictions on households mixing, may actually lead to a rise in drivers getting behind the wheel over the drink-drive limit.

He said that people may be less likely to keep score of how many drinks they have had when at home.

It comes as the Operation - which is the force’s proactive response to crimes causing the greatest impact on communities - today launches a month-long period of intensive action, with heightened police resources to intervene in cases of domestic abuse, cyber crime and drugs offences.

A police chief predicts there will be a rise in drink driving incidents this year despite pubs being closed, as people will be drinking at home and not counting their intake

There will also be more police patrols on Humberside’s roads to stop suspected drink and drug drivers.

Chief Supt Downs said: “I personally expect to see an increase in drink driving this year.

“There will be more drinking at home, and the period where you are allowed to share bubbles, people will be visiting family and driving between places.

“If we’re really honest, can we really say we are measuring and counting our drink while at home?”

Police forces each December launch campaigns to heighten awareness of the consequences of driving home after drinking at Christmas parties, with increased efforts in patrolling local roads to catch people out.

Humberside last December actually saw a fall in drink driving arrests from the previous festive period, with 36 – however the force said this was “still 36 too many”.

Last year, West Yorkshire Police made more than 450 arrests for drink and drug driving in December – more than any other month in the year.

South Yorkshire Police in the same month stopped 1,184 vehicles to carry out breath tests and drug wipes, with 100 testing positive for being over the alcohol limit and 30 out of 64 drugs wipes failed.

Some 100 motorists were also arrested for drink driving in North Yorkshire last December.

Chief Supt Downs added that people needed to especially take care when driving the morning after drinking, as many can still be over the legal limit.

“My message would be to just be careful and be aware of what you’re drinking at home.

“Christmas this year will be different, it will be harder. It is important to look after our neighbours, but more than anything it’s about staying safe.”

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