TWO MEN from Yate and a man from Frampton Cotterell have been named among more than 100 drivers charged with drink and drug driving during December.

Operation Tonic, the annual Christmas campaign run by Avon and Somerset Police ran from December 1st – January 1st, with 184 people arrested and 117 charged.

Included among those charged are Anthony Aiden McBride, 34 and Mantas Uzalonis, 29, both from Yate, and Robert Culley, 35, from Frampton Cotterell.

The statistics show an increase from 155 arrests and 96 people charged last year, thanks to an overwhelming public response to the campaign, with 634 calls being made – resulting in 52 arrests.

The names of those charged have been published by Avon and Somerset Police in order to deter people from getting behind the wheel after consuming drink or drugs.

Chief inspector Kevan Rowlands, Avon and Somerset head of road safety, said:

“Although it’s disappointing that more than 100 drivers have been charged with serious offences, I am thrilled with the response from the public.

“The number of calls we had from the public to report people who they believe are driving under the influence of drink or drugs has been fantastic and a real highlight of the operation. That has had a significant impact on our ability to catch and arrest offenders.

“It is clear to me that the vast majority of people see the danger caused by drink and drug drivers and are willing to do something about it by reporting offenders to the police.

The chief inspector said that many of the arrests were not related to the party season, which means the message about not driving after a night out was getting through.

He added: “What we have noticed during Operation Tonic is that a significant number of the people we have arrested appear to have some form of alcohol or drug dependency and are not recreational drinkers.

“If you have a friend or relative that fits this category then please reach out to them and get them to stop driving.  If they don’t then, for their sake and the safety of others, you need to report them.”

To report someone for drink or drug driving, call 101 or visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.uk