Police Launch Christmas Crackdown On Drink or Drug Drivers

Published on: 3 Dec, 2018
Updated on: 3 Dec, 2018

Surrey Police carrying out a breathalyser test.

“Jingle bells, here’s our cells, see them every day; if you drive with drink or drugs, you’ll soon be on your way.”

This is the message from Surrey and Sussex Police as officers prepare their 2018 Christmas crackdown on drink or drug drivers.

And they are introducing some colourful characters to illustrate the effects of driving under the influence although they emphasise that driving with drink or drugs in your system is no laughing matter.

Chief Inspector Andy Gooch, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Arguably the hardest part of any police officer’s job is telling someone that one of their loved ones has died. When you consider it could so easily have been avoided, it becomes even harder.

“Drink and drug-driving destroys lives. It happens year on year and sadly, despite our repeated warnings, there will always be a minority of selfish and shameful individuals who still continue to put the lives of themselves and others at risk.

“Our aims of this campaign are to save lives by deterring people from drink and drug-driving, and to deal robustly with offenders.”

Surrey and Sussex Police will mount the campaign from December 1 to January 1 inclusive.

Details of those convicted – including their name, age, address and occupation – will be published online to help deter people from getting behind the wheel while high on drink or drugs.

During their last campaign in June, officers in Surrey conducted 898 breath tests and administered 83 drug tests resulting in 130 arrests (60 of which were for drug driving).

Chief Insp Gooch went on: “These are dedicated campaigns twice a year during peak periods, at Christmas and in the summer, but we still respond robustly to reports of drink and drug-drivers as part of our routine policing 365 days a year.

“If you’re going to consume drink or drugs, we’d encourage you to plan to walk home, book a taxi, take public transport or get a lift with someone sober. Never get into a vehicle with someone you think is over the limit.

“Also be mindful of the amount of time it takes for substances to leave your body. Even if you’ve slept for several hours, you could still be over the limit the next morning, and a coffee and a cold shower won’t speed the process of being sober enough to drive.”

The Sussex Safer Roads Partnership has a morning-after calculator on its website, where you can find out roughly how long it takes before you can safely drive.

Chief Insp Gooch added: “If you’re planning to drive after ‘just a couple’, it’s more than likely you’ll be over the limit. The only way to guarantee you’re under the limit is to drink OR drive; never both.”

If you drive under the influence of drink or drugs, prepare to face the consequences. These could include:
A minimum 12-month ban;
An unlimited fine;
A prison sentence;
A criminal record, which could affect your present and future employment;
An increase in your car insurance costs, and
Trouble travelling to countries such as the USA.

If you think someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

Alternatively, people in Surrey can text officers on 65999 with the details of people they suspect of drink or drug-driving. More information can also be found at our Drive SMART website.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online. www.crimestoppers-uk.org