Police have launched their annual Christmas drink-driving crackdown.
The operation, which will see officers conduct hundreds of checks across the city and county until the end of December, was launched yesterday.
During last December's four-week operation, police caught 119 over-the-limit drivers – a slight improvement on the 2010 total of 127 and 2009's 122.
Chief Inspector Steve Potter said: "Cracking down on those who drink and then drive is a year-round commitment for Leicestershire Police.
"However, we are very aware the festive season can present opportunities where people are tempted to drive after drinking. To combat this, extra patrols will be conducted in the run-up to and over Christmas and New Year, in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drinking and driving."
Cliff Ward, a paramedic with East Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "The impact that road incidents involving drink-drivers has on families, friends and sometimes even emergency services staff is huge.
"On many occasions the scene of devastation can be upsetting even for the most experienced medical professional, especially when in many circumstances the accident could have easily been avoided."
Police launched the operation at St George's Retail Park, Leicester, yesterday.
It is called Over the Limit and is being run by forces across the Midlands.
The penalties for drinking and driving are a minimum 12-month disqualification – which rises to three years for a second offence within 10 years – a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months in prison.
Police advised drivers to take one or more of the following simple steps to avoid the temptation to drink and drive:
Arrange for one of your group to be the nominated driver who doesn't drink any alcohol for the evening.
Find out the bus times, including the last bus home.
Book a taxi in advance.
Spend the evening near home.
A website has been created to spread the safety message. It features information about drinking and driving, as well as a series of videos in which five characters explain how they committed offences and ended up with criminal records.
www.over-the-limit.co.uk
