Greater Manchester’s Festive Drink-Drive Alert Issued

Motorists in Greater Manchester are being urged to take extra care this Christmas after new data revealed they are more likely to be breath tested in December than anywhere else in the UK – apart from South Wales.

Figures obtained by personal breathalyser firm AlcoSense show that Greater Manchester Police carried out 2,761 roadside breath tests last December. The next highest number of tests was in Avon & Somerset (2,272) and Merseyside (2,245).

Of those drivers stopped in Manchester in December, 295 were found to be over the legal limit – meaning more than one in ten motorists failed the test.

“December is always the peak month for roadside checks due to office parties, nights out, and an overall rise in social drinking,” said Hunter Abbott, Managing Director of AlcoSense Laboratories. “Police know this, which is why roadside testing surges at this time of year.”

Research continues to show the dangers of driving with alcohol in your system. The risk of being involved in a fatal collision is around 13 times higher at the current drink-drive limit than when sober.

Abbott added: “People often underestimate how long alcohol stays in the body. For example, drinking four pints of medium-strong beer or four large glasses of wine in an evening can take up to 14 hours to fully clear. Many motorists are caught out the following morning without realizing they’re still over the limit. Using a personal breathalyser before driving can give reassurance that you’re safe and legal.”

National statistics underline the scale of the issue. The latest Department for Transport figures show 260 people were killed in drink-drive crashes across Britain – higher than a decade ago. Drunk driving accounts for 16% of all road fatalities.

A total of 6,310 people were injured in collisions involving a driver over the limit.

If you’re caught driving over the legal alcohol limit in the UK, the consequences are severe. You could face a minimum 12‑month driving ban, an unlimited fine, and even up to six months in prison.

Causing death by careless driving while over the limit carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in jail. A drink‑drive conviction also results in a criminal record, significantly higher insurance premiums, and potential restrictions on employment and international travel.