Drink-Driving Informers Offered £1,000 Reward

Revellers who report drink-drivers to the police over Christmas and the New Year could receive cash rewards of up to £1,000.

Derbyshire Constabulary and West Midlands Police are promoting the rewards to help catch drivers who are over the alcohol limit or under the influence of drugs.

Running until New Year's Day, the scheme will see posters placed in pubs and clubs urging drinkers to report those breaking the law.

Crimestoppers is offering the rewards for information leading to the arrest and charge of drink-drivers, with the size of the payment dependent on the nature and seriousness of the offence.

Last year, police in Derbyshire carried out 391 breath tests over Christmas, in which 79 people gave a positive reading or refused to take the test.

Chief Inspector Steve Wilson, the head of roads policing in Derbyshire, said: "This time of year is one of celebration for many, including work parties and especially with family and friends.

"Our message is simple - if you are having a drink, don't drive.

"Our campaign is very much intelligence-led and by working with Crimestoppers it will allow us to target those who persistently drink and drive rather than conducting mass-testing."

Inspector Greg Jennings, of West Midlands Police, added: "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.

"The information people pass on to us will directly influence our patrols and could well prevent a family experiencing tragedy this Christmas, as well as leading to people being brought before the courts."

A total of 290 people were killed in drink-drive accidents in 2012, up a quarter up on the previous 12 months, according to the Department for Transport (DfT). The figure represented 17% of all road fatalities.

Meanwhile, separate figures recently showed that more than one million motorists had got behind the wheel while over the legal alcohol limit in the last two years.