Scores of people at illegal Steyning rave among hundreds arrested in police crackdown

Altogether 279 arrests were made after police carried out dedicated patrols between June 11 and July 11.

Police say that 79 of those arrested were involved in the illegal rave which attracted thousands of revellers to Steyning last month.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Throughout this campaign, we have actively engaged with hundreds of motorists to spread the message that we are here to keep everyone as safe as possible on our roads, and we will take action against those who commit offences and put people’s lives at risk.

“Drink and drug-driving destroys lives. Yet despite our repeated warnings, we continue to make arrests on a daily basis.

“While the vast majority of motorists are safe and competent drivers, unfortunately there is always a small minority of individuals who believe the law does not apply to them.

“We will continue to carry out proactive patrols in marked and unmarked vehicles, and will respond to any reports of people driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

“We may not be everywhere all the time, but we could be anywhere.”

Of the 279 arrests, 87 have so far been charged to appear in court.

Anyone who suspects someone of drink or drug-driving can text officers on 65999 with the details or visit the Operation Crackdown website. www.operationcrackdown.orgcost – the cost to the fencing is huge. The cost to the council as well.