180 drivers were arrested for drink drive or drug driving offences across Somerset – including the Burnham-On-Sea area – in the run-up to New Year.
Police say they made the arrests as part of Operation Tonic since it was launched on December 1st.
Drivers caught drinking and driving or driving while under the influence of drugs risk a fine of up to £5000, a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record and could end up behind bars and without a job.
Last year 231 drivers were arrested for drink driving and drug driving offences, with 7,000 drivers nationally arrested.
Operation Tonic was launched nationwide on December 1st 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 were held by police over the three weeks to New Year which resulted in 180 arrests.
Vehicles that were stopped are checked for road worthiness and also checks made if they trigger the automatic number plate recognition system. Advice is also provided by officers.
