WEST Yorkshire Police is supporting an annual campaign by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) which aims to combat drink and drug-driving.

The campaign normally runs over the festive period, and this year's edition will be the first one since lockdown.

As a result, one of its "key messages" will be that even though pubs are closed, people must still remain conscious of getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

Throughout this month, West Yorkshire Police will be carrying out increased enforcement activity on the roads, which include roadside patrols and reminding people of the potentially fatal consequences of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

In December last year, West Yorkshire Police made 469 arrests for drink and drug-driving - the highest total for any month in 2019.

Police have also reported an increase in people driving under the influence of drugs in 2020, with more people being arrested for drug-driving than drink-driving in the first six months of this year.

The force will again be using the hashtag #WYPTheCost as part of the campaign, reminding people that the consequences of drink and drug-driving can include prison time, an unlimited fine and a driving ban, in addition to the devastating emotional impact on those involved and their families if someone is injured as a result of a collision.

Inspector Gary Panther, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Just because Christmas is a little different this year, that doesn’t mean that you can take the risk to drink or drug-drive. We’re asking people to be mindful of drinking at home and being over the limit the morning after.

“Every year, we catch people driving under the influence of drink or drugs, not just in the afternoon or evening, but also the next day.

“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.

“That really is the best case scenario as well - drink or drug-driving can have fatal consequences for the person driving the car, passengers and others on the road.

"Drink or drugs has been listed as a contributory factor is 10 fatal collision in West Yorkshire so far in 2020. Our NHS colleagues are already under extreme pressure – it is important, more than ever, that drivers do not add to this.

"During last year’s enforcement campaign from 1 December 2019 to 1 January 2020, there were 276 arrests for drink-driving, 164 arrests for drug-driving and 29 for failing to provide.

“This year, we have more dedicated roads policing officers working on the roads of West Yorkshire to prevent the devastation that drink or drug-driving can cause.

"We will not tolerate people risking their own and others road users’ lives by driving under the influence of drink or drugs."

‘‘We all have a responsibility to play in keeping our roads safe, please don’t drive after having an alcoholic drink or taking drugs."

Mark Burns-Williamson, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for West Yorkshire, said: “Driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs is a dangerous and unacceptable thing to do.

“Whilst many of us have been driving less this year, road safety is rightly an ever-present priority for our communities, and that’s reflected in my Police and Crime Plan.

"West Yorkshire Police will be on our roads and streets looking out for drink and drug drivers. I hope that this initiative will help to reduce numbers, keep our roads safer, and underline what is important at this time of year, and it certainly isn't putting other people's lives at risk to drive whilst under the influence of drink or substance misuse.”