Help shop a Bolton drink-driver (From Leigh Journal)

Help shop a Bolton drink-driver

8:50am Thursday 11th December 2008 in Cars By Paul Keaveny

A DEDICATED hotline has been set up in Bolton to help police catch drink-drivers over the Christmas period.

The town’s Road Policing Unit has set up the line for people to call with information about drivers getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

It is part of an force-wide crackdown on drink and drug-driving which will involve increased police patrols and more roadside checks on motorists at all times of the day and night.

Police will even be out in the mornings to catch those motorists who drive while still suffering from the effects of alcohol or drugs from the previous night.

Inspector Andy Eckersley said: “If anybody has any information about people they believe are drink-driving they can call this number and it will come straight through to us.

“We need to get the message out that drinking and driving just isn’t worth the risk. There is no safe limit, so to remove all doubt I would urge people not to have a drink at all if they are intending to get behind the wheel.

“Also, people should not drive in the morning after a heavy night. Alcohol stays in the system longer than people might think.”

Insp Eckersley said that people caught driving while over the limit will be prosecuted and face losing their licence.

As part of the campaign, on Thursday, December 18 shoppers in Victoria Square will receive a frightening wake-up call when they are confronted with the sight of a crashed car surrounded by blood-soaked actors.

The campaign is being organised by Greater Manchester’s road safety partnership, Drivesafe.

Anyone with information about drink-driving, or who wishes to report people driving without insurance or a licence can call anonymously, on 0161 856 7238 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.