Blitz on drink drivers

MORE than 160 drivers were arrested in Sussex Police's summer drink-drive campaign and the force has warned offenders that they will be removed from the road.

As part of a national campaign in June, both high-visibility and unmarked police patrols targeted drunk or drugged drivers.

Overall, 4,229 drivers were breath-tested and of these 161 were arrested. 308 tests followed crashes, with 30 arrests. Highlighting the risks of “morning after” drink-driving, 12 arrests were made between 6am and 10am.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

During a similar campaign in 2010, 3,298 people were tested and 152 arrested. This year showed increased police activity against a lower test failure rate.

Chief Inspector Di Roskilly, from the Sussex Road Policing Unit, said: “We’re pleased with the results of this campaign, which suggest more people are choosing not to mix drinking or taking drugs with driving. However, in just one month, 161 have been arrested and that is too many people who clearly disregard the law and are prepared to gamble with their lives and the lives of others.

“We will continue to focus our efforts on removing them from the roads of Sussex before they cause harm.”

Ch Insp Roskilly said that apart from losing a job, being heavily fined or even jailed and the stigma of a criminal conviction, drink drivers risked taking and ruining lives with devastating consequences all round.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “Our message to them is very simple: if you drink and drive, we will catch up with you. You need to hope that’s before you kill or maim. Don’t do it.”

• Suspected drink-drivers can be reported via a special website - www.operationcrackdown.org; by calling police on 0845 60 70 999.

Related topics: