North Yorkshire Police has reported a rise in winter drink-driving arrests - and Harrogate figures are the worst in the county.
Harrogate is worst for drink driving in North Yorkshire, according to police North Yorkshire Police has reported a rise in winter drink-driving arrests - and Harrogate figures are the worst in the county. Police say that 731 roadside tests were carried out during December, and 18.6% of those tested were over the limit for drink or drug driving. That’s a 6.9% increase in positive tests than the same period in 2022, according to police. And a whopping 21% of drivers pulled over in Harrogate tested positive - the highest percentage in North Yorkshire. 18% of Scarborough drivers were over the limit, whilst it was 16% for York, 13% for Selby, 13% for Hambleton, 7% for Ryedale, 6% for Richmond and 5% for Hambleton. North Yorkshire Police attributes the rise to a ‘more targeted approach to catching drivers’. There were no drink or drug related fatal collisions during the campaign. Chief Inspector Alex Butterfield from North Yorkshire Police’s specialist operations unit said:
“When it comes to catching those who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the public is key and I want to thank every single person who provided information. “Serious conversations can be difficult or awkward but they may just save a life. “I would urge you to start a conversation around driving under the influence with family and friends, especially if you have young or inexperienced drivers in your household. “If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please always call it in.”More than three quarters of those arrested were men (76%) and most vehicles were cars, although motorcycles, large goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, agricultural vehicles and e-scooters were also stopped. Police say the reasons for stopping drivers included committing a moving traffic offence (522 vehicles stopped), suspicion (138) and being involved in a collision (71). Police have urged residents to call 101 if you suspect someone may be driving under the influence of alcohol or dugs - or 999 if the risk is imminent. You can also provide information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
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