This in from the Police, in their own words. Ed
Members of the public across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being asked to remember this number 80999.
That is the text number that people are asked to use to report anyone they suspect of driving drink or drug impaired. The information will be received anonymously, and senders simply need to text the precise location where the driver was last seen, direction of travel if possible, and as many vehicle details as possible – most importantly the number plate.
Text only number
This number is a text-only service, and will not take phone calls. You can also call 999 to report a drink drive offence in progress.
Hampshire Constabulary is working with partner agencies across the two counties to spread the message of Operation Holly, this year’s Christmas drink/drive campaign, which begins today and runs until January 1, 2012.
Aiming to prevent casualties on the roads
Operation Holly has the single aim of stopping people from drinking or taking drugs and driving, and, as a result, prevent and reduce casualties on our roads.
The campaign this year is supported and promoted by Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Isle of Wight Road Safety Partnership, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council.
During the month of Operation Holly, officers will run pro-active operations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight targeting drink and drug impaired drivers, and we will, for the first time, be maximising use of Twitter and Facebook by tweeting every stop and activity at several upcoming operations which will be publicised in advance.
We need the public to help
Superintendent Chris Brown, head of Roads Policing for Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police, said: “In order to prevent people from drinking and driving, we need the public to help us.
“If you suspect someone has been drinking and is over the limit and getting behind the wheel – then please text us on 80999, tell us where the car is, give us the registration, and we will do the rest.
“Or if you see someone that you suspect is drink driving or driving whilst drug impaired, you can ring us on 999.
“Collisions involving alcohol or drugs not only devastate the lives of victims and their families. We want to prevent this from happening in the first place, but if people still insist on getting behind the wheel, then we will do everything we can to find them and arrest them.”
To get the very latest progress and information on Operation Holly follow @HantsPolice or @HantspolRoads on Twitter or check out our Hampshire Constabulary Facebook page.
Image: Mike Kline under CC BY 2.0
