Text police this Christmas if you suspect someone has been drink-driving

As part of their traditional Christmas crackdown, the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP) has set up a festive text line which people can contact if they fear someone is likely to drink and drive.

“Anyone who thinks a motorist is about to make the wrong choice and get behind the wheel after drinking can make a report by text - using the number 65999,” said the partnership in a statement.

“Reports will need to contain as much information as possible - the vehicle’s make/model/colour and number plate, geographical location, and the date/time that the driver is expected to be on the road. In an emergency, concerned individuals should phone 999.”

The SSRP is warning motorists that it’s not safe to drive on the roads even after just one drink.

“There are far too many factors determining the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the body to estimate how much one drink will affect one individual at one particular time,” the SSRP added.

“To add to the uncertainty, the same drink can have completely different effects on different days.”

Chief Inspector Phil Nicholas from Sussex Police’s roads policing unit explained that despite the regular publicity about the dangers of drinking and driving, motorists continue to ignore the warnings,

Police will be conducting a range of roadside checks throughout Sussex over the Christmas and New Year period. They will also be deploying additional patrol vehicles to stop suspected drink-drivers.

Teams from the East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and East Sussex County Council will also be taking the choice message into town centres, bars, pubs and clubs throughout December.

“This year, we’re presenting motorists with a simple choice,” said Chief Inspector Nicholls. “That choice is to drink or to drive - but never to mix the two.

“The over-whelming majority of drivers make this choice without even thinking about it, reducing the potential harm to them and others.

“Drinking and driving is socially unacceptable, yet a small minority of motorists ignore the opinions of everyone around them and get behind the wheel after having a few alcoholic drinks.”