Police to name and shame drink and drug drivers

Following on from the force’s Christmas campaign, motorists ordered to appear in court on suspicion of having committed a drink or drug-driving offence will have their names and details published online and made available to the media.

Posters will also be put up across the county at sites where offenders were stopped during the Christmas campaign to warn drivers in those areas that they could be caught if they get behind the wheel while over the limit.

The campaign has been given the name Operation Dragonfly and aims to prevent avoidable tragedies by discouraging people from taking to the road while they are unfit.

The force will use drug testing equipment at each custody suite across the county to see if motorists who have been arrested have cannabis in their systems.

Officers will also tweet about people stopped on suspicion of drink or drug-driving offences throughout June, giving brief details such as when and where the motorists were pulled over.

Chief Inspector Natalie Moloney said: “The summer puts a different type of offender on the roads than we catch at Christmas - the warm weather drinker.

“Whether drinking with family or friends at home or out at the beach, park or pubs don’t be tempted to drive and don’t forget that after a late night heavy session you will undoubtedly still be over the limit if you decide to drive in the morning.

“Into that mix are young drivers for who this may be their first summer on the roads. If you are a friend getting a lift make sure you don’t pressurise them into drinking.

“There is no excuse for driving while over the limit or after taking drugs.

“This year we have given the campaign the name Operation Dragonfly which perfectly suits the way our officers operate. Dragonflies predict where their prey is going to be and then catch it.

“All the campaign activity we are undertaking, including warning motorists we will publish their details if they are charged, is to do all we can to prevent drivers from committing offences.

“Where that is ignored we will act to protect other road users. We will actively seek information on who the drunk drivers are and where will they be - and then we will go out to catch them.

“All those who were charged with offences at Christmas had their details made public and the results of their cases are also being published and that will be repeated in June.

“More than 100 motorists who were caught in the campaign at Christmas are now banned from the roads. Don’t make the courts take your licence away next.”

During June 2013 more than 3,500 motorists were breathalised and more than 140 people were arrested.

Road users in Sussex can text officers on 65999 with details about people they suspect of drink or drug driving or visit www.operationcrackdown.co.uk.

If you know someone is driving while over the limit call 999.