A majority of drivers in Avon and Somerset, Shepton Mallet’s force area, are being praised by police.  Operation Tonic, which was launched in 2002, is a month long campaign in which the Police deliver the loud and clear message, “Leave the car behind if you intend to drink”.  

Before Christmas, Police made headlines with their tongue in cheek offer of ‘accommodation’ for those who choose to drink and drive, describing it as a gift-wrapped seasonal surprise for the Christmas or New Year period.  

Back in 2002 329 drivers were arrested, but since then there has been a year on year reduction in numbers.  This year 150 drivers were arrested following more than 31,000 roadside stop checks carried out by police officers across the force area. Of those stopped 2703 were tested for drink or drugs.  Of particular concern to the police is the fact that 41 drivers were in the 17-25 year age group, equating to around 1 in 3.

Chief Inspector Polly King of the force's road policing unit said:  "We are of course delighted to see a further reduction in those arrested for drink and drug driving.  However it is still disappointing to see a hardcore of drivers who blatantly ignoring our advice and continuing to drive while under the influence of drink or drugs.

She warns however, that just because Christmas is over, things will not be getting lapse.  "Our campaign to crack down on drink/drug driving will continue throughout the year, complemented by Operation Tonic summer and winter campaigns to focus the minds of drivers tempted to drive after drinking or taking drugs.

The Shepton Mallet Perspective

Speaking to drivers locally, the Police presence during December was certainly not obtrusive in the Shepton Mallet area and there were no reports of the ‘on the way to work’ spot checks which have been criticized as being disruptive, but have also caught a few drivers out who have been drinking the night before and who thought they were ‘clear’.

What are your thoughts..Did you encounter any random stop-and-checks?  Was the police presence about right this Christmas?  What about the attitude to Drinking and Driving of drivers between 17 and 25 - is this an issue that is on the rise?  Let us know what you think.