A police officer has issued a stark warning to motorists as the UK enters what is often the most common week of the year for drink-driving offences. With the festive party season in full swing, Devon and Cornwall Police have taken a direct approach to show potential offenders the grim reality of being caught.
A Grim Tour of the Holding Cell
In a bid to deter people from getting behind the wheel after drinking, Sergeant Owen Messenger from the force's Roads Policing team recorded a video tour inside a holding cell at Exeter Police Station. The video, shared on TikTok in partnership with road safety experts George's Car Media, leaves little to the imagination about the consequences.
"This is a cell that you're likely to be put in if you are caught drink or drug-driving this Christmas," Sgt Messenger stated bluntly at the start of the clip. He then unlocked the cell door to reveal the sparse and uncomfortable surroundings.
Pointing to a thin mattress on the floor, he commented, "Down here you've got the mattress and pillow. It's not the most comfortable and as you can see, it is very thin." After testing it himself, he added, "I wouldn't want to be spending the night on that."
The Sobering Facts on Alcohol and the Law
The sergeant also highlighted a basic toilet with a single ply of toilet paper, which he joked was notoriously poor quality. He emphasised that the cell was "not the most hospitable" place to spend the night.
Beyond the visual deterrent, Sgt Messenger shared crucial advice on how the body processes alcohol. "Alcohol leaves your body at a rate of around one unit per hour, starting about 30 minutes after your last drink," he explained.
He stressed a key warning for morning-after drivers: "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."
The legal drink-driving limits in the UK are:
- England, Wales and Northern Ireland: 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
- Scotland: A stricter limit of 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.
The Severe Penalties You Could Face
The government notes that how alcohol affects you depends on your weight, age, sex, metabolism, what you've eaten, and stress levels. The penalties for being caught are severe and life-changing.
For being in charge of a vehicle while over the limit, you risk:
- Up to 3 months' imprisonment.
- A fine of up to £2,500.
- A possible driving ban.
The penalties for driving or attempting to drive while over the limit are even harsher:
- Up to 6 months' imprisonment.
- An unlimited fine.
- A driving ban for at least 1 year (rising to 3 years if convicted twice within 10 years).
The message from Devon and Cornwall Police this Christmas is clear: think before you drink and drive, or you could be facing a very bleak festive season in a police cell.
