From Thursday 1 June, Wiltshire Police is asking the public to save lives by not driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs as they launch the annual summer drink and drug drive campaign across the county.
All Wiltshire officers will have a role to play during the month, although the greatest input will come from the Roads Policing Unit who will be conducting high profile checks along with their Tri-Force colleagues from Avon and Somerset and Gloucestershire.
Sergeant Gavin Brewster of the Wiltshire Police Roads Safety Unit, said: “Our message is perfectly clear. If you take a chance on drink or drug driving, you will be caught. Despite repeated messages, drink-related road deaths are still far too high across the nation.”
“We were pleased to see a reduction in the % of positive breath tests during the Christmas 2016 campaign and we hope that this will continue this summer. With support from the public, our aim is to reduce the number of people who even consider getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.”
Driving a vehicle when under the influence of drink or drugs seriously impairs the driver’s ability and can have horrendous consequences. New technology and changes in legislation mean that there is the ability to make roadside checks for suspected drug drivers. The new test equipment makes it far easier to detect those who have taken drugs on the spot, without the need to return to the station.
Nearly one in five people are convicted of drink driving are caught the morning after and do not realise that they can lose their licence if they are over the legal alcohol level. The driver will potentially risks peoples’ lives and can receive a fine of up to £5000, a minimum 12 month driving ban and a criminal record.
Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said: “As the days get longer and warmer people tend to relax more and there can be a temptation to drink more. My strong advice is to take public transport if you’re thinking of going out for a drink. The consequences of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol can be catastrophic.”
The Road Safety Unit will be showing the public the consequences of drink/drug driving over the weekend of 24-25 June in Trowbridge Park at the Wiltshire Armed Forces Day. There will also be the chance of trying the drink/drug driving simulator to experience the dangers of driving under the influence.
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. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court
