Police offer £200 to report drink drivers

A UK police force is rewarding people with up to £200 for reporting drink drivers in the run-up to Christmas.

West Midlands Police and the Central Motorway Police Group have launched the scheme, saying that some people “lose their common sense as Christmas draws near.”

The new drink-drive campaign urges people to think before they, or members of their group, consume alcohol and is rewarding those who report anyone who drinks too much and then gets behind the wheel of a car this December.

Inspector Greg Jennings of West Midlands Police said: “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.

“So now, via the charity Crimestoppers, we are asking anyone who is aware of people breaking the law to pick up the phone and report selfish individuals who think it’s okay to drink or take drugs and drive.”

Tony Dring, from the Campaign Against Drink Driving group, told the BBC that it was “disappointing” that it had come to people “having to shop their mates”.

He said: “It shouldn’t need a £200 incentive but if that’s what it takes to saves a life, whether it be your own or somebody you love, then so be it.”

West Midlands Police said that around 4,000 drivers were breath-tested last year and more than 300 people were prosecuted after failing the test.