Close to 200 drivers arrested in Operation Tonic (From Gazette Series)

Close to 200 drivers arrested in Operation Tonic

1:02pm Monday 31st December 2012 in News By Alexandra Womack

NEARLY 200 drivers have been arrested for drink drive or drug driving offences during a Christmas crackdown in Avon and Somerset.

Police launched their annual winter sting, Operation Tonic, on motorists who get behind the wheel under the influence on December 1 and within a month, they made 180 arrests. The figure is down on last year’s operation which saw 231 drivers arrested.

A spokesman said: “Operation Tonic was launched nationwide on December 1 and officers from the roads policing unit have been acting on intelligence to target known ‘hot spots’ and also reacting to public information provided on drivers believed to be drink driving.

“Almost 1,000 targeted stops have been held be police across the force area over the past three weeks – including Christmas – which have resulted in 180 arrests.”

Drivers caught drinking and driving or driving while under the influence of drugs risk a fine of up to £5,000, a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record and could end up behind bars and without a job.

All vehicles stopped during Operation Tonic were checked for road worthiness and offices carry out checks on any vehicle which triggers the automatic number plate recognition system.