Drink and drug driving Lorry driver one of 35 arrested
POLICE have made 35 arrests for offences related to drink and drug driving as the festive crackdown continues in Gloucestershire including a driver of a lorry carrying an 18-tonne load.
This equates to around two drivers every day from December 1 to December 15 - but this is almost half of the 60 arrested during the same period in 2020.
So far, 14 people have been charged and are due to appear before Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court in the next few weeks.
Ten people have been released under investigation for drug drive related offences while enquiries continue. One person has also been charged with driving whilst unfit through drink.
Gloucestershire police released the figures on Thursday, December 23, with a warning to motorists who drive while under the influence of drink or drugs that they face a roads ban.
Among those being stopped by police was a lorry driver carrying an 18-tonne load, who tested positive for cocaine following a roadside swipe.
Police figures from December 1 to 15, 2021
» 15 people have been charged with drink drive related offences
» Two people have been charged with other road offences
» 15 people have been arrested on suspicion of drug-drive offences
» Four people have been released under investigation for other driving related offences.
Chief Inspector Al Barby said: “Although the number of arrests is down on last year, it is difficult to compare figures given that the country was in a very different place with lockdown last Christmas.
“It is disappointing to see that the message around the dangers of drink and drug driving is still not getting through to everyone.
“It is shocking that some people still think they can take drugs or drink and be fit to drive.
“The only safe option when getting behind the wheel is none for the road.
“Roads officers and Special Constables have been doing a fantastic job at our roadside operations.
“They will continue to be out and about over the next two weeks and I want to remind the small number of people who continue to ignore our warnings that we will arrest them and they will be taken to court.
“Don’t take the risk as it could cost lives.”
Although the number of arrests is down on last year, it is difficult to compare figures given that the country was in a very different place with lockdown last Christmas.
Chief Einspector Al Barby