This is how many drink drivers West Yorkshire Police have arrested in December

'Tis the season for Christmas parties - in which many misjudge the amount they have had to drink and get behind the wheel.
Police have arrested nearly 200 people in West Yorkshire for drink driving so far this festive seasonPolice have arrested nearly 200 people in West Yorkshire for drink driving so far this festive season
Police have arrested nearly 200 people in West Yorkshire for drink driving so far this festive season

West Yorkshire Police runs a campaign in December of every year aimed at highlighting the dangers and consequences of drink driving.

The force's Roads Policing Unit said on Sunday that nearly 200 people had already been arrested since the beginning of the month.

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Officers described the figure as "disappointing", asking "when will they learn?"

West Yorkshire Police's festive drink driving campaignWest Yorkshire Police's festive drink driving campaign
West Yorkshire Police's festive drink driving campaign

The Roads Policing Unit tweeted on Sunday, which marks the halfway point through December, writing: "It is disappointing to report that since the beginning of December 188 drivers have been arrested in West Yorkshire for drink or drug driving.

"When will they learn?"

One Twitter user replied, writing: "After decades of campaigns, it beggars belief that idiots are still risking the lives of innocent people.

"The courts really have to start sentencing these people with the maximum penalties, instead of the piecemeal sentences normally distributed."

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Chief Inspector Lisa Kirkland, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Over the festive period, many of us will be out for meals, drinks and nights out with work colleagues, friends and family.

"What we are asking is for people to plan ahead and think not just about how they are going to get home on a night but also about their plans for the following morning.

“Every year, we catch people driving under the influence of drink or drugs not just in the evening but also the next day, dropping the children at school, driving to work, taking the car on a Christmas shopping trip.

“Christmas can be costly enough but think about what it would mean for your new year to be facing losing your licence, an unlimited fine and potentially time in prison."