Roads Police Set to Launch Annual Christmas Crackdown on Drink- and Drug-Drivers

Published on: 17 Dec, 2019
Updated on: 20 Dec, 2019

Jingle bells, here’s our cells,
Open every day;
If you drive with drink or drugs,
You’ll soon be on your way.

That’s the message from police in Surrey and Sussex gearing up for their annual Christmas crackdown on drink- and drug-drivers.

For the rest of the month drivers can expect increased patrols and stop-checks as more social occasions tempt some to drive under the influence.

In Surrey, over the 12 months to November 2019, 696 people were killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions (alcohol-related incidents unavailable at time of publication).

In Sussex, 1,003 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions last year, 74 of which involved a drink-driver.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of Surrey and Sussex roads policing unit, said: “Christmas is typically considered a time of ‘giving’ and ‘sharing’. But don’t give us an excuse to arrest you, and don’t let us share the bad news with your loved ones if you’re involved in a collision.

“This campaign is all about education and enforcement. Our main aims are to save lives by deterring people from drink- and drug-driving, and to deal robustly with offenders. As such, we will continue to publicise the names of those convicted as part of the campaign.”

The crackdown runs from tomorrow Wednesday, 18 December to Wednesday 1 January inclusive, in line with guidance from the National Police Chief’s Council. This will be in addition to routine daily policing.

A Surrey police officer conducts a roadside breathalyser test

Chief Insp Hodder continued: “While this is a dedicated campaign which occurs twice a year during peak periods, Christmas and in the summer, we still respond to reports of drink and drug-drivers 365 days a year.

“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.”

During last year’s Christmas campaign, 240 arrests were made in Sussex and 108 in Surrey.

Chief Insp Hodder added: “If you’re going to consume drink or drugs, we’d encourage you to plan ahead. Walk home, book a taxi, take public transport or get a lift with a sober driver. Never get into a vehicle with someone you know is over the limit.

“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.

“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.”

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: https://www.sussexsaferroads.gov.uk/info/safer-for-drivers/under-the-influence-calculator

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.
Alternatively, people in Sussex can text officers on 65999 with the details of people they suspect of drink- or drug-driving, or visit the Operation Crackdown website. www.operationcrackdown.co.uk

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