Brits giving Christmas driving warning as police show offenders’ fate

A police officer has issued a drink-driving warning ahead of what is considered the most prevalent week of the year for the offence to take place.

With workplace Christmas party season now underway, Devon and Cornwall Police have partnered with road safety specialists, George’s Car Media to demonstrate “where you will end up” should you fail to abide by the law. In a TikTok video filmed at Exeter Police Station, Sergeant Owen Messenger from the force’s Roads Policing unit offered a tour of where local offenders are taken.

“This is a cell that you’re likely to be placed in if you are caught drink or drug-driving this Christmas,” the police sergeant explained. Opening the cell door, he ventured inside to display the grim surroundings. 

“Down here you’ve got the mattress and pillow,” he said. “It’s not the most comfortable and as you can see, it is very thin.”

On the far side of the room sits a basic toilet in the corner with one ply of toilet paper. “You’ve got a sink on the wall and on the other wall is an intercom you can contact us on,” Sgt Messenger continued. “It’s not the most hospitable.”

“I wouldn’t want to be spending the night on that,” he said as he tested the mattress’ comfort. “And how bad is that single ply? They do say the tissue paper in prison is pretty bad. It’s not particularly nice.”

In further guidance, the force advised: “Alcohol leaves your body at a rate of around one unit per hour, starting about 30 minutes after your last drink. Sleep, food and hydration do not speed up the process.

“Around one in five drivers caught drink-driving are stopped the morning after. Don’t let your good decisions end when you go to sleep.”

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the drink-driving alcohol limit stands at 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath. Scotland, however, maintains a stricter threshold of 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.

According to the government, the way alcohol affects you depends on:

• your weight, age, sex and metabolism (the rate your body uses energy)
• the type and amount of alcohol you’re drinking
• what you’ve eaten recently
• your stress levels at the time

Should you be found in charge of a vehicle whilst exceeding the legal limit or impaired through drink, you could face:

• 3 months’ imprisonment
• up to £2,500 fine
• a possible driving ban

And if caught driving or attempting to drive above the legal limit or whilst unfit through drink, potential consequences include:

• 6 months’ imprisonment
• an unlimited fine
• a ban from driving for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)