Liverpool urged to stay clean when Driving Home For Christmas

Liverpool urged to stay clean when Driving Home For Christmas

Drivers in Liverpool are being strongly advised to avoid operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, particularly during the upcoming festive period. Throughout 2024, over 1,600 drivers in the city were apprehended for drink or drug driving offenses, averaging one arrest every six hours. This highlights the ongoing issue and the risks associated with impaired driving.

In addition to arrests, there were 36 traffic accidents connected to impaired driving, with alcohol involved in 58% of these collisions and drugs in 42%. The majority of offenders fell within the 40 to 49-year-old age bracket, and a significantly higher number of those caught were men. These statistics underline the critical need for vigilance and responsible behaviour on Liverpool’s roads.

To address these concerns, Liverpool City Council is supporting Merseyside Police’s Operation Limit, a national initiative that runs annually from December 1st to January 1st. This operation aims to reduce the likelihood of traffic accidents during the busy festive season. Notably, in the first 24 hours of Operation Limit this year, 24 individuals were arrested for offenses related to drink or drug driving.

Under English law, the permissible blood alcohol limit for driving is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, though the amount of alcohol needed to reach this limit varies depending on factors such as age, weight, metabolism, and food intake. Additionally, it is illegal to drive with controlled drugs above designated levels. Driving under the influence carries serious consequences, including prison sentences, fines, driving bans, criminal records, increased insurance costs, and obstacles when seeking employment or travel opportunities.

Liverpool’s campaign aligns with the broader Liverpool City Region Road Safety Strategy, which aims to achieve Vision Zero by 2040—a commitment to eradicating preventable deaths and serious injuries on roads within the next 15 years. Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, emphasized the risks involved, stating, “Just a little amount of alcohol can amount to a massive risk on the road, and it simply isn’t worth it. One drink too many and one error on the road can shatter lives in an instant.” He encourages people to make responsible decisions and to find alternative ways home if they have consumed alcohol or drugs

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