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The Wheel
AVON AND SOMERSET Police – OPERATION TONIC Some
6740 people were killed or serverly injured across the UK in one year as a result of driving under the influence of drink or drugs according to Government figures*. Since there is often a spike in these figures during the festive season, Avon and Somerset Police ran Operation Tonic in December 2023 to combat this. Around 2000 drivers were stopped through proactive patrols, static stop checks and targeted interventions. 324 drivers were taken off the roads as a result of failing sobriety checks. ‘Op Tonic’ was accompanied by a strong media campaign focusing on the importance of community
intelligence. Members of the public were urged to contact the Police if an individual was suspected of getting behind the wheel whilst intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. The key message was that reports from the public really can make a difference in keeping our roads safe. An example of this was a 999 call from a concerned motorist on Sunday 3rd December: a vehicle being driven erratically on the M5 near junction 25. Officers located and stopped the vehicle. The driver was breathalysed, arrested and subsequently charged. He received a 20-month driving disqualification and a fine of £120. Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: “Over the festive period, 324 drivers have been taken off the road before they could cause harm through drink or drug driving. “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a reckless and dangerous choice that puts lives at risk. The consequences of such decisions can be catastrophic, causing irreversible harm and heartache to families and loved ones. “I would like to thank the public who are helping us to target those people that they suspect are drink or drug driving. By doing this, you are helping us to reinforce the message that getting behind the wheel while under the influence is never acceptable. Together we are keeping the roads of Avon and Somerset safer.” *estimated for 2021, Dept of Transport
