First Week of ‘Go Cold Turkey’ Campaign Sees 23 Arrested

Published on: 9 Dec, 2016
Updated on: 11 Dec, 2016

Twenty-three drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving in the first week of the Surrey Police festive no drink and drug driving campaign.

The Christmas campaign, which started on December 1, is highlighting the simple message “Go cold turkey” recommending drivers have none at all if behind the wheel.

Officers from Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Units have been on the roadside at various locations across the counties carrying out dedicated patrols to put the brakes on those who drive under the influence.

The initiative, which is supported by Drive Smart in Surrey and the independent charity Crimestoppers, is set to run until New Year’s Day.

As the holiday party season gets into full swing motorists are being urged to think in advance about how they are getting home and to remember that, even if they have done this, consideration needs to be given to when they should drive the following day.

Inspector Alan Nicholls of Surrey RPU said: “Drinking responsibly and ensuring that you avoid any temptation to drink and drive by pre-booking a mini-cab or using a licensed taxi will give peace of mind. But don’t forget to plan for the morning after and how you might be travelling to work, college or that appointment.

“If you think about just three things – personal security, safe travel and alcohol and drug awareness – then a good time can be had by all.”

A Surrey police officer conducts a roadside breathalyser test

The seasonal activity is calling on communities to help keep neighbourhoods safe and to report to police if a driver is suspected to be drink or drug driving.

Information can be passed via text on 65999 or by dialling 999 if the circumstances involve a driver causing immediate danger to others by driving when intoxicated. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, you won’t have to give your name, make a statement or appear in court. Any information given will be passed on to the roads policing officers and acted upon. Officers will be tweeting about what incidents they deal with as and when they occur.

Surrey Police recommends the following advice in order that everyone can enjoy festive celebrations:

• If you have, or are planning to drink alcohol, plan your journey home without driving.
• Plan your journey so you don’t have to walk alone at night. Walk with friends or pre-book a licensed taxi.
• Don’t offer an alcoholic drink or drugs to someone you know is planning to drive.
• Don’t accept a lift from a driver who you know has drunk alcohol or taken drugs.
• Carry a mobile phone and consider a personal attack alarm.
• If you are walking, avoid short cuts in lonely areas. Keep to well-lit, busy streets.
• Always walk facing oncoming traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you.
• When approaching your car or home, have your keys ready so you can enter without delay.
• If you think you’re being followed, walk to the busiest place you can find or knock on a door. Then call the police.
• Don’t wear headphones or walk while on the phone – you’re more likely to be unaware of your immediate surroundings.

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