Surrey Police To Crack Down On Drug and Drunk Driving

Published on: 2 Jun, 2016
Updated on: 2 Jun, 2016

Surrey and Sussex Police will be cracking down on drink and drug driving offences this summer as part of Operation Dragonfly, the Forces year-round strategy which targets offending motorists in a bid to prevent collisions and save lives on the roads across the two counties.

The campaign, which runs from Monday, 6 June until Sunday, July 10, will see officers out on patrol actively looking for driving offences and behaviour behind the wheel which may be due to the driver being under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. They will be identifying motorists who break the law and risk the lives of themselves and other road users.

Police made 110 arrests in Surrey as part of last year’s initiative in June 2015 compared with 91 the previous summer. The figures last year included 65 arrests following a positive breath test and 20 arrests following a positive drug wipe test.

Inspector Alan Nicholls of Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit said: “The initiative will see patrols carrying out checks on motorists in a bid to detect and deter drink and drug-drivers.

“However, this is not only a summer led campaign, drivers should be aware that drink and drug driving enforcement carries on throughout the year. We will continue to target resources at those dangerous individual drivers who put themselves and others at risk by being under the influence of drink or drugs.

“If you are caught you are most likely going to lose your licence, which could affect your job, increase your insurance premiums or in the worst of cases go to prison for killing someone which will be on your conscience for the rest of your life.

“A lot of people like to have a drink when the sun is out, whether they are on holiday, having a barbecue, enjoying the Euro 2016 football tournament or just relaxing with friends. And whilst we encourage everyone to enjoy themselves and have fun in the sun, we also want them to act responsibly.

“If you’re driving to an event or a venue, think about your journey home and plan ahead. Book a licensed cab, take public transport or get a lift with someone who hasn’t been drinking or taking drugs. Please don’t be tempted to get behind the wheel and drive yourself, even if you think you’re fine.

“There is a thin line between being under and over the limit, and that’s why we encourage people to drink or drive – not both, it’s not worth the risk.”

To be consistent with previous operations, Surrey and Sussex Police will continue to identify anyone charged with drink or drug-driving.

Teams will respond to tip-offs from members of the public who see someone they know who has been drinking getting into a car to drive. Officers will also act on any other intelligence to bring offenders to justice.

Inspector Nicholls added: “Whether you suspect another road user is under the influence, you witness someone getting behind the wheel after drinking, or you are in a vehicle with someone who should not be driving, please report it. This can be done discreetly and could help to save lives.”

If you know someone is driving while over the limit through drink or drugs, call 999. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/).

The campaign is being run jointly by Surrey Police and Sussex Police alongside Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, Drive Smart in Surrey and the independent charity Crimestoppers.

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