Dozens of motorists arrested for breaking major driving laws during World Cup mayhem

A police operation saw 161 Britons arrested during a summer campaign targeting drink and drug drivers, with officers warning that too many motorists are still putting lives at risk.

The campaign was run by Leicestershire Police during the World Cup and saw police carry out extra patrols and enforcement activity to tackle drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In total, 117 people were arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, while 30 were arrested on suspicion of drug driving. A further 14 people were arrested for failing to provide a sample.

Leicester recorded the highest number of arrests, with 70 people detained during the campaign, with 24 further arrests in Charnwood, 18 in Blaby and 16 in North-West Leicestershire.

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More than a quarter of all the arrests followed road traffic collisions, with police highlighting the devastating consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

During the campaign, 23 people were arrested between 5am and midday for suspected drink-driving.

Police said the figures showed that alcohol can remain in a person's system long after they believe they are fit to drive, with some motorists capable of being over the legal limit in the morning.

Nearly one in five were aged 24 or under, while the oldest person arrested was 82, and 18 women were also arrested during the operation.

Chief Inspector Jodie White, from Leicestershire Police's Specialist Support Department, explained officers had encouraged people to plan how they would get home before drinking.

She said: "We encouraged everyone to think about how they would get home before kick-off and plan ahead if they intended to drink alcohol."

However, she said the number of arrests made during the campaign was "deeply concerning" and showed that too many people were still making dangerous decisions behind the wheel.

She urged anyone who had been drinking alcohol or taking drugs not to drive, and instead get a lift, book a taxi or use public transport.

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A conviction can result in a driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months in prison, depending on the circumstances of the offence and the level of alcohol or drugs involved.

Drivers who cause death by dangerous driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can face much more severe consequences, including a lengthy prison sentence and a long-term driving ban.

Police have warned that people should not assume they will escape detection because they are driving early in the morning or on quieter roads.

Although the World Cup campaign has now ended, roads policing officers said they will continue carrying out enforcement activity around the clock across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Anyone with information about a suspected drink or drug driver can report their concerns to Leicestershire Police online or by calling 101.

Police have urged motorists to plan ahead and never take the risk of driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

Officers said the consequences can be life-changing, not only for the driver but also for passengers, other road users and their families.

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