As we enter the final week in the run up to Christmas Cheshire Police is reminding motorists that they will be out targeting drink drivers.
Since the beginning of December the Force has conducted more than 1,000 breath tests across the county as part of Operation Blue Christmas. A total of 63 people have been arrested so far for drink driving, along with 3 drivers who have been arrested for drug driving.
In December 2013 157 people were arrested in Cheshire for Drink Driving.
The Force is particularly keen to remind people about driving the morning after a night out with friends and family.
Roads Policing Inspector Richard Hill said: "The results that we have seen so far are extremely encouraging, and I am pleased to see that our message about the dangers of drink driving is being heard by the majority of road users, although it is disappointing to see that there are still some drivers who are willing to take the risk.
"As we enter the final week before Christmas we know that a large number of people will be out celebrating with family and friends as well as attending Christmas parties with their colleagues.
"The majority of these people will have designated drivers or will have booked taxis for their journeys home, but what I also want them to think about is how they are going to be travelling to work the following day.
"We often find that many of the drivers who are arrested for drink driving have not come straight from the pub, but are actually traveling the morning after a night out, and do not realise that they are still over the drink drive limit.
"Anyone who is caught drink driving faces losing their licence, a large fine and going to court. This could have a big impact upon their life and may affect their employment."
Inspector Hill added: "As well as the penalties drink driving can have on the offender themselves, I also want people to think about the impact it can have on others.
"We saw the true consequences of drink driving earlier this week when a 25-year-old woman was sentenced to seven years in prison for causing death by careless driving whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit.
"Because of the decisions made by that particular driver she is now facing a substantial prison sentence and the family of the man she killed in a road traffic collision in Eaton near Tarporley, are now facing a second Christmas without him."
Anyone who suspects that somebody is drinking and driving should call Cheshire Police on 101 or alternatively information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
