Police offer up to £200 for naming drink-drivers
Up to £200 is being offered to revellers to report drink-drivers to police over Christmas. Rewards are being dished out as part of a police crackdown in the West Midlands which will also see those convicted over the festive period named and shamed.
A mother who lost her son as a result of a drunk driver has given her backing to this year's West Midlands Police Christmas drink and drug driving campaign.
Police chiefs hope the incentive will help them cut the numbers who get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs. The money will be handed out by the charity Crimestoppers if a tip-off leads to someone being arrested and prosecuted. It comes after almost 340 people failed a test or refused to offer a specimen during the festive spell last year.
Inspector Greg Jennings, who is heading up the force's seasonal drink drive campaign, said: "Every year it is the same story – people seem to think that it is acceptable to have a few with their family or friends and then get behind the wheel.
"In some cases they would not dream of drink driving, or taking drugs, at other times of the year but they lose their common sense as Christmas draws near.
"So now, via the charity Crimestoppers, we are asking anyone who is aware of people breaking the law to pick up the phone and report selfish individuals who think it's okay to drink or take drugs and drive."
People can report a suspected drink or drugs driver anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through 101.
Inspector Sion Hathaway, campaign lead for Central Motorway Police which is also involved with the campaign, added: "The message is simple – drink driving kills and making a call could save a life.
"There are devastated families across the region, and the wider UK, who have had to face the horrendous situation where their loved one has gone out and then not come home, all because of a driver who selfishly got behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.
"Many don't even realise that they still pose a risk, and could be breaking the law, the morning after."
Officers will be carrying out patrols across the West Midlands to catch those suspected of drinking or having taken drugs before driving.
Forces across the country are being encouraged to tweet details of those caught in the act over Christmas. Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, national lead for road policing, said forces were being encouraged to release the photos of those convicted.
