Wiltshire Police have successfully backed a campaign which aimed to clamp down on drink and drug driving.
The month-long summer drink and drug drive campaign which started on Thursday 1 June 2017 aimed to catch those who took the chance on drink or drug driving.
All Wiltshire officers and in particular the Roads Policing Unit conducted high profile checks along with their Tri-Force colleagues from Avon and Somerset and Gloucestershire during the month-long crackdown.
Just over 400 drivers in the county were made to carry out breath tests during the month of June. Of those, 41 tests were either positive or the person failed to provide.
The number of positive tests is down slightly on last year, in which 334 breath tests were administered and 49 came back positive or person failed to provide.
29 people were screened at the roadside for suspected drug use of which 12 were positive or failed to provide a sample and were arrested.
Sergeant Gavin Brewster of the Wiltshire Police Roads Safety Unit, said: “Despite the number of positive breath tests being slightly down on last year, there are clearly some drivers who continue to take the risk with drink and drugs.
“The message from Wiltshire Police and the majority of the public is clear; it is not acceptable to drink or drug drive. Positive action will be taken with such offences.
“I would personally like to thank the public for the support they gave us during the campaign.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson, said: “I’m glad to see an increase in the number of people being stopped and tested, and that the number of those providing a positive result has fallen.
“With the warmer weather and longer days it can be a temptation to drink more. My advice would be to take public transport if you’re thinking of going out for a drink. Driving under the influence of drink or drugs can be catastrophic.”
Anyone wishing to report an incident of drink/drug driving should call Wiltshire Police on 101 and select option 4 for the Drink Drive Hotline. In an emergency, dial 999.
If you have any information about drink/drug driving you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
