Rising drunk driving arrests and assaults signal festive season concerns

Drunk driving arrests are climbing, assault cases have spiked 50%. City officials say alcohol is fuelling a worrying rise in crime and road offences as the festive season begins.

The City’s enforcement agencies made 387 arrests in the past week, up from 355 the week before. A quarter of those — 98 arrests — were for drunk driving.

Assault cases recorded by the Public Emergency Communication Centre jumped from 87 to 132 over the weekend — a 50% surge. The centre logged 1 688 incidents, including medical, by-law, policing, fire and traffic-related complaints. It also recorded 52 domestic violence incidents and 55 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.

Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said alcohol is at the heart of the seasonal spike.

“Alcohol rivals comparison when it comes to being the thief of joy. And even though we are entering what is meant to be a joyous time of year, the statistics already show that this is unlikely to be the case for some. There are so many alternatives to drunk driving. This year, give yourself the gift of a stress-free time by leaving the car keys in the hands of a designated driver, or leaving the drinking to those who will not be driving. Also, do not attempt to bring alcohol into our public spaces and save yourself the embarrassment of having it confiscated, and receiving a fine to boot,” he said.

Metro Police officers made 125 arrests, including 35 for driving under the influence, and issued 3 177 fines.

Law Enforcement officers made 201 arrests, including four for drunk driving, and issued 8 445 notices.

Traffic officers recorded 47 083 offences, impounded 230 public transport vehicles, executed 2 347 warrants of arrest and arrested 61 suspects, 59 for drunk driving.

Meanwhile, the City will also run its traffic fine roadshow at the Civic Centre from 5 to 12 December, giving motorists a chance to reduce fines and settle outstanding warrants.

Smith said the initiative remains one of the City’s most effective tools for clearing the backlog.

“The roadshows are incredibly popular, and a win-win for all concerned. Motorists get to clear the slate and the City gets to reduce the mammoth number of outstanding fines and associated paperwork.

"In fact, one can argue that motorists drive off with the better deal, considering the discounted amounts they pay, not to mention the ease of doing business at the roadshow compared to visiting individual municipal courts to resolve fines and warrants,” he said.

From July to September, the Traffic Service recorded 815 613 offences, an 11% increase year-on-year, and executed 27 771 warrants, also slightly higher than the previous year.

Smith warned that holiday enforcement will be strict.

“We're approaching the time of year with increased roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints as part of our festive season safety deployment," he said.

"We're also increasingly making use of tools like automated number plate recognition technology that can identify scofflaws with ease. So, please take advantage of the roadshow or one of our other fine payment options, or run the risk of potential arrest this holiday season, if you have outstanding warrants."

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