Police stopped vehicles at West Huntspill and Axbridge. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

Drivers checked on Somerset routes during police Christmas drink and drug driving campaign

Paul JonesDecember 10, 20250 Comment0

SPEEDING drivers were identified and people breathalysed as part of the annual Christmas drink and drug driving crackdown in Somerset.

Officers from the Sedgemoor neighbourhood team, supported by specialist roads officers, set up a vehicle checkpoint on the A38 in West Huntspill on December 4.

Drivers who were detected driving over the 30mph speed limit were stopped and breathalysed, with 38 vehicles stopped for exceeding 35mph.

A total of three were caught over 40mph and have been reported for speeding.

However, none of the 20 people breathalysed were found to be over the limit.

Later, the road safety team relocated to Lower Weare, near Axbridge, where 20 drivers were recorded driving over 35mph; four of these will be receiving a fixed penalty notice and points, and the rest will be offered a place on a Speed Awareness Course.

Two drivers who were recorded driving over 50mph will be sent straight to court.

Inspector Mat Boiles said: “The Christmas party season is upon us, and we often see an increase in alcohol consumption at this time of the year.

“This operation is targeting people we know present a risk through our own intelligence systems, and we are continuing to appeal to the public for their support to help us reduce the number of people involved in drink and drug driving.”